Damien Seguin GROUPE APICIL
Applicant
2024
2nd
Participation
FR
44 years old
Lorient
Born without left hand, Damien Seguin became in 2021 the first disabled skipper to complete a solo, non-stop, unassisted round the world race. A three-time Paralympic medallist in the 2.4mR class, he entered offshore racing in 2005 in the Figaro and then the Class 40 before joining the IMOCA circuit in 2018. Determined and constantly looking to progress, Damien has managed to convince people that his handicap is not a brake on performance. During his first Vendée Globe, which he finished in 7th place, he made a big impression by often playing at the front of the fleet. For 2024, he aspires to new sporting ambitions aboard his foiler.
Achievements
GROUPE APICIL
- Former names: Safran, Des voiles et vous, Maître CoQ IV
- Architect: VPLP/Verdier
- Construction: 2014, CDK Technologies, Port la Forêt
- Launch Date: 02 March 2015
- Length: 18,28 m
- Beam: 5,80 m
- Draught: 4,50 m
- Weight: 8 tonnes
- Mast height: 29 m
- Upwind sail area: 310 m2
- Downwind sail area: 550 m2
Sponsor
The APICIL Group is the 3rd largest French social protection group with a turnover of €2.9 billion. It offers a complete range of effective and adapted solutions in health and provident insurance, savings and financial services as well as retirement for individuals and professionals. The Group's 2,176 employees provide expertise to more than 47,000 companies and 2.0 million protected policyholders. Together with its members, the Group supports its customers as closely as possible to their expectations by meeting their needs, from the most general to the most specific, and at every stage of their life.
Commitment
Des Pieds et Des Mains
Founded in 2005 by Damien Seguin, Des Pieds et Des Mains aims to shatter prejudices about disability through the mixed practice of sailing. In order to achieve its mission, the association supports young disabled sailors towards the top level, supports accessibility projects carried out by sailing clubs, and raises public awareness during major events with the aim of promoting the inclusion of disabled people in society.