It is when you reach a milestone that you can set new ambitions. With a victory in total control on the Solitaire Urgo Le Figaro 2018, Sébastien Simon was able to look ahead to the perspective of taking the start of the Vendée Globe. But for this natural born competitor, it was out of the question to compete without having a chance for the podium. Thus, Sébastien has gathered around him what he believes to be the winning assets : a new boat designed by Juan Kouyoumdjian (also known as Juan K), advice from Vincent Riou - a perfectly trained technical director and also winner of the 2004-2005 edition, and also the support of the Pôle Finistère Course au large, a real producer of champions.  

While waiting to take control of his new boat, Sébastien Simon is training on the former PRB boat. After trying to beat the record on the Route de la Découverte together with Vincent Riou, he took the boat back in solo conditions to refine his knowledge of IMOCAs. At the same time, the Arkéa Paprec team chose to assemble the boat on its own premises after having delegated the construction of the hull to the CDK shipyard. This original approach has enabled Sébastien to follow the finishing touch of his new tool step-by-step and master its most intimate corners.  An approach which should please this graduate engineer passionate about cutting-edge techonology.

Although living in Concarneau to follow the construction of the monohull boat closely, Sébastien will feel a twinge of melancholy when he goes down the channel of Les Sables d’Olonne. Because it is here that he has lived and learned with the Sports Nautiques Sablais. So, when the boy from town gets set to take the start, many admirers will no doubt be focusing on him.