Jules Ducelier - Sophie Faguet: "We're not here to be extras"

The Normands have talent... And what about the makings of future winners? Jules Ducelier is one of the early talents in Figaro. Having arrived in the class last year, he has already set the tone by becoming the French rookie champion. Sophie Faguet, who competes in Class40 (3rd in the Niji40), has already participated in the last edition of the Transat Paprec (4th with Guillaume Pirouelle). The two sailors, united under the banner of Région Normandie, have already sailed together and have not neglected the preparation phase, training at the Pôle Finistère Course au large.

Why are you competing in this race?

Jules : Because it's the only transatlantic race in a Figaro, the only one-design race. It's an important race on the program, representing a lot of things. It's always very competitive, and it makes you want to compete.

Sophie : I had the opportunity to race it on the same boat two years ago. And Jules and I know each other; we've sailed together before.

With both of your experiences, are you one of the duos we'll have to follow?

Jules : I hope so! We train for this, and that's also how we formed our team. We've already sailed together, we know the boat well, we've done transatlantic crossings... We have a culture that's broadly the same, which comes from inshore sailing, but that doesn't mean that these reflexes will be predominant when we go offshore. In any case, we're not here to be extras.

"A large part of the fleet can impose itself"

Sophie, you competed in the last edition. What are the keys to performing well in the Transat Paprec?

Sophie : Like all races, training is essential. Just because we have the same experience on the boat doesn't mean it automatically works as a team. We'll have had four sessions with the Pôle Finistère Course au large. Furthermore, even if we try to eliminate all the factors that could surprise us, there is a small element of the unknown: we've never spent so many days together on the water. Of course, we'll face situations we won't have anticipated. But we know we can handle strong conditions and we'll do everything we can to apply it.

You're a trained educator... Is that a plus for the duo you and Jules form?

Sophie: I stopped teaching a few years ago to devote myself 100% to ocean racing. I think being able to express yourself, to say things calmly, helps. But what comes out on board with fatigue is above all our character traits, more than our specific training.

Who are the favorites and what will the race be about?

Jules : A large part of the fleet can win. I'd say there are four or five duos that stand out. And it's clear that we'd like to be part of them! Sophie: What's essential above all is to get off to a good start, to be able to maintain a good pace. The descent to Palma is important, then the way you approach the trade winds, the sail choices, the options to decide on... But you'll have to adapt at the last minute!