In the 2004-2005 Vendée Globe, Riou was given the nickname: “Vincent the terrible”. That really says it all, particularly as it was a certain Jean Le Cam, who came up with this expression during a closely fought race with Vincent, which the latter went on to win. It was the very same skipper that was rescued by Vincent off Cape Horn in the last race, in an incredible feat of seamanship, which unfortunately led to his boat dismasting. This was to give rise to redress being given in the final rankings, with Vincent being placed equal third in spite of being forced to stop.

Three for PRB
Now he is officially registered, Vincent Riou will once again be flying the colours of the most emblematic sponsor in the Vendée Globe: PRB. The firm based in La Mothe-Achard near Les Sables d’Olonne has already achieved two wins in the Everest of the Seas with Michel Desjoyeaux in 2001, and then the 2005 race with Vincent. It has never been done before, but the Vendée-based firm will certainly be aiming to make it three for PRB.

Second in the Round Spain sailing race and runner-up in the 2010 Douarnenez Grand Prix just to give the example of a couple of recent successes, Vincent Riou will of course be one of the favourites in this seventh Vendée Globe. If he does win, he will equal the record set by Michel Desjoyeaux… for whom Vincent prepared boats before taking off on his own solo career. Discreet, modest, but incredibly talented, hard-working and meticulous, the skipper of PRB once came up with this statement about the Vendée Globe: “This race is bound to be an adventure, and that should never be forgotten. The human aspect remains a key element.” Indeed.