Post | TRANSAT PAPREC

For over two weeks, the duos competing in the Transat Paprec will push themselves to the limit—living, sailing, and performing aboard 9.14-meter monohulls. While tactical and strategic decision-making plays a major role, success also depends on something more subtle: the ability to live in harmony, stay motivated, and preserve morale in the most demanding of environments. Whether through music, food, or lucky charms, each sailor brings their own rituals to make life at sea more bearable—and sometimes even joyful.

From navigating the Bay of Biscay to reaching La Palma, and withstanding squalls and searing heat in the trade winds, the Transat Paprec is a relentless challenge. Every maneuver and tactical decision can determine the outcome. With the constant demand for peak performance, comfort on board becomes more than a luxury—it’s a necessity.

“Escaping through music on long stretches”

Music is often a sailor’s best companion on long passages. Several teams—including Thomas de Dinechin and Aglaé Ribon (Almond for Pure Ocean), and Davy Beaudart and Julie Simon (Hellowork)—are bringing portable speakers aboard. “I hope we’ll have some good playlists,” says Chloé Le Bars, sailing with Adrien Simon (FAUN), who jokes she might ask her teammate to pack noise-canceling headphones.

On Wings of the Ocean, Alexis Thomas and Pauline Courtois will each have their own headset. “It’s important to have moments to ourselves, especially since one of us is usually sleeping while the other is steering,” explains Alexis.

Musical tastes onboard range widely: Adrien Simon says his go-to tracks span from 1970s classics to 2025 hits, blending rap and rock to “set the mood.” Davy Beaudart admits a soft spot for Muse and Indochine, hoping to “get lost in the music on long legs.” Meanwhile, Maël Garnier (sailing with Catherine Hunt on Selencia – Cerfrance) prefers mellow techno and electro like Boris Brejcha—and counts on playlists curated by friends. On Skipper Macif, the soundtrack is already set: “We’ve got Chacha’s playlist,” laughs Hugo Dhallenne. “But it’s a surprise—I can’t reveal it all,” replies teammate Charlotte Yven with a grin.

The Power of Comfort Food

While music lifts the spirits, food fuels the body and soothes the soul. Even those who claim food isn’t their focus—like Thomas de Dinechin or Laure Galley (DMG MORI Academy, paired with Kévin Bloch)—recognize that good nutrition is crucial.

“We need to watch the weight we take on board, but there will definitely be some comfort food,” smiles Lola Billy (Région Bretagne – CMB Océane), who’s racing with Corentin Horeau. Arno Biston and Vittoria Ripa di Meana (Article.1) spent part of the afternoon preparing their provisioning bags in the race village’s logistics area.

Each sailor has their go-to treats: Pier-Paolo Dean and Tiphaine Rideau (BANQUES ALIMENTAIRES) bring candy, while Romain Bouillard and Irina Gracheva (Décrochons la lune) opt for chocolate fondants. Alexis Thomas and Pauline Courtois pack plenty of snacks, and salty favorites also have a place: Hugo Cardon (Humains en action) swears by his pot of rillette which is a sort of potted meat, while Mathilde Géron (Demain, with Martin Le Pape) jokes that she “needs dried sausage.” Adrien Simon and Chloé Le Bars also admit to packing a few aperitif essentials.

Some sailors won’t set off without their beloved mascots. “I’ve always brought my stuffed animal with me—my little sloth is making the crossing,” says Anaëlle Pattusch (Humains en action). Pier-Paolo Dean shares a similar habit: “My cuddly toy always comes along, even if it’s getting a bit worn out!”

Quentin Vlamynck (Les Étoiles Filantes), sailing with Audrey Ogereau, is bringing a small plush toy named Lila—joined by its “little sister,” who has already crossed the Atlantic in the Transquadra. While Maël Garnier doesn’t carry a lucky charm per se, he brings along tokens and messages from friends and sponsors: “Last time, they really helped me stay positive and keep my spirits up until the finish.”