Davy Beaudart – Julie Simon: “reaching the podium”
- Antoine Grenapin
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
WORDS FROM A DUO. They're definitely in the outsider category. The Hellowork duo boasts a wealth of experience. Julie has competed in three seasons in Mini and has been a familiar face on the Figaro pontoons since 2023. Davy also sailed in Mini before gaining a wealth of experience, notably in IMOCA. This experience of competitions, offshore racing, and the Atlantic will be invaluable in the Transat Paprec, where they must never give up. That's just as well, as that's exactly what Julie and Davy are aiming for.
Davy, you have solid experience in ocean racing but you've never participated in this transatlantic race... How do you explain that?
Davy: I'd never had the opportunity to participate before. Thanks to Hellowork, we'll be able to take part in the start with Julie. It's a race I've been watching for a long time from the corner of my eye and it's going to be an opportunity to have a great race and arrive well placed at the finish!
What motivated you to take on this challenge, Julie?
Julie : First of all, I really like this boat. We're in a one-design with boats that handle extremely well, it's very playful. It's possible to take advantage of everything we can in terms of strategy and weather. When we have to look for a shift and just gybe for ten minutes, we do it, we don't hesitate. The support is great, the program is cool and the level is very high.
“We’ll have to be good all the way!”
How did your duo form? Davy: As soon as the project was formed, I called her. It happened quite quickly. I didn't know her personally, but many acquaintances told me a lot of good things about her. Julie has already performed in the Figaro, and her experience will be valuable for this race as well.
Julie : For our cohesion, we spend time together on the water and also on land, tinkering, thinking about the project, and preparing. It's important to know each other well in order to then perform well on the water.
Davy, how can your past experiences help you in this race?
Davy : Obviously, all maritime experiences are formative. The IMOCA is an incredible boat. Everything I've learned in weather and strategy will be useful for the future, even if the boats aren't identical. The intensity of IMOCA racing has taught me to develop this seamanship that helps me perform on the water. Julie, you've already done a transatlantic crossing in a Mini...
Julie : The Mini Transat was a real discovery. Now I know a little more what to expect. It gives me extra motivation to go back, to cross the Atlantic again, to find the trade winds... It's going to be a great time!
What is your goal for the Transat Paprec?
Davy : It's a race, so the aim is to arrive before the others. We're giving ourselves every means to achieve this, both technically and sportingly. Our ambition is to reach the podium. The field is strong, it's going to be very intense... We'll have to be good all the way! Who are the favorites for the race? Julie: It's hard to say, the field is quite even. But why not us, quite simply? Davy: I think I'd say the same thing!
