Clarisse Crémer returns to the water onboard L'Occitane en Provence!
What an exhilarating week for Clarisse Crémer’s team! After three months of intense work by the strengthened technical team, the IMOCA freshly repainted was taken out of the shed for the first time, revealing her brand-new colours to the world. The deep blue and yellow boat, running under a “Race for Equity” banner, was then taken back to the water, for Clarisse’s first navigation from Gosport, UK.
"I'm delighted to finally get back in the saddle after almost a year and a half! I must say, the technical team did an excellent job in a very short time, and even though there's still work to be done, the boat is in great shape today, and I'm really happy about it. Reflexes come back quickly, and while I haven't forgotten how to sail, my body will need to regain its pre-maternity form as I'm still a bit rusty!" said Clarisse, smiling upon her return to dry land.
While this first sail proved successful from a technical standpoint, it also marked the start of the skipper's intensive training and qualification program for the 2024 Vendée Globe. "For me, this first sail marks the beginning of the sailing season on the competitive side. In a few days, I'll be participating in the Rolex Fastnet Race in Cowes, which will allow me to handle the boat in race conditions. Having a new boat is exciting; it's like discovering the user manual day by day. And I'm happy to compete in this first race alongside Alan Roberts, who will be my co-skipper" she explained.
This first competition will be contested under the new colors of L'Occitane en Provence, with the "Race for Equity" banner — to defend and promote equity in the world of offshore racing. "A few months ago, I would have never imagined that I would be here today, taking this issue to the spotlight. But my personal story drives me to bring about change in the society so that women no longer have to choose between motherhood and a sporting career" she added simply.
Aboard the boat, this message will be illustrated by L'Occitane en Provence's immortelle flower — known for never wilting — drawn on the sails and the deck. Just as this flower thrives and flourishes in difficult conditions, "Race for Equity" will strive to create an environment where women can thrive in sailing, as well as in all aspects of life and work. Its presence will symbolize resilience, endurance, and the ongoing pursuit of equity in the sailing world.
Alex Thomson, the renowned IMOCA skipper and mentor of Clarisse, praised the launch of this campaign, saying, "I am incredibly proud to support Clarisse in promoting and encouraging equity in our sport. Race for Equity is not just about sailing; it's about breaking down barriers and creating equal opportunities for everyone in pursuit of a more inclusive future."
Clarisse is now set to depart on July 22nd from Cowes, England, for the 50th edition of the Rolex Fastnet.