THESE SKIPPERS AIMING FOR VG2028 - Part 2 of 5
For Élodie Bonafous, 2025 will have been a rich and exciting year. After launching her new IMOCA boat in February – a sister ship of Charlie Dalin's IMOCA MACIF Santé Prévoyance, winner of the last Vendée Globe – named Association Petits Princes – Quéguiner, the 30-year-old sailor went on to compete in a series of races and enjoy some memorable first experiences. A remarkable victory in the Rolex Fastnet Race, a first Atlantic crossing in the Transat Café L'Or, then a return in ‘false solo’ mode: these are all fundamental steps on the road to her big goal, the 2028 Vendée Globe. Portrait of a sailor who embodies a new generation of female sailors.
Where are you from and how did you discover sailing?
I come from a small village in northern Finistère called Lanmeur, near Locquirec, where I discovered sailing. I started when I was just old enough to walk, with my dad, on a small pleasure boat. I then joined an Optimist club when I was about 8 or 9 years old.
When did you start dreaming about the Vendée Globe?
When Ellen MacArthur finished the Vendée Globe in 2001. I watched all the footage and, the following Christmas, I received all her books.
What does the Vendée Globe mean to you?
For me, the Vendée Globe is one of the greatest sporting and human challenges I can imagine taking on in my career. But beyond that, it's above all a dream.
Your boat is the sister ship of the IMOCA MACIF, winner of the 2024 Vendée Globe and holder of the new record. Did you ever imagine competing in your first round-the-world race aboard such an IMOCA?
I always hoped to compete in my first Vendée Globe with a competitive project, because competition is what drives me in this sport. But I never imagined I would be so lucky as to benefit from such a successful project so early on. It's a real opportunity, especially as I have a full championship cycle to prepare myself. I've brought together the best elements I could have imagined.
Who are the people who have inspired you most in your career?
Ellen MacArthur, because she was the one who inspired my dream of competing in the Vendée Globe. And then Armel Le Cléac'h, because he's from Morlaix Bay, like me. He was the godfather of my Optimist team when I was a kid. The first time I sailed on a Figaro was with him, and then my first time on an IMOCA was with him too.
What is the longest time you have spent alone at sea?
It was on the Figaro circuit, in Figaro 3, and today it's no more than six days!
Any anecdotes about difficulties at sea to share with us?
The first time I had a breakdown, my self-control wasn't at its best (laughs). I got so upset that the only thing I wanted to do was eat a packet of biscuits rather than solve the problem. I realised that sailing alone at sea requires you to stay focused and stick to the essentials, because no one can help you and you have to manage to stay calm.
What is your best racing memory?
A stage of the Solitaire du Figaro where I finished third in my first year with the Quéguiner group. It was a very challenging stage with strong winds, and I really enjoyed it. It was also the first time I really saw the fruits of my labour and achieved my goal on a stage.
What makes you dream about the Vendée Globe?
The idea of pushing myself beyond my limits, combined with the solitude. It scares me, but at the same time, it's the idea of exploring something that few people on this planet have experienced, of really coming face to face with myself, sometimes facing things that aren't easy.
What scares you the most?
Loneliness too. I am a sociable person and I enjoy being around other people. Seventy days at sea can be long and tiring. Knowing how to stay positive over such a long period of time is key.
What is your favourite treat at sea? Kinder Bueno.
One item you won't forget on your round-the-world trip? My headphones for music and podcasts.
If you weren't a skipper, what would you be doing? I'd open a surf shop somewhere warm where you can surf in swimming trunks!
Your worst fault? I think I have two... I struggle with schedules and I can get quite easily annoyed when things don't go my way.
Your greatest quality? I'm very determined and I know what I want!
