The race for equity is on

L'Occitane Sailing Team is proud to be one of the female-skippered and managed IMOCA teams, with Clarisse Cremer at the helm and Emma Kettle running the team. In a sport that has traditionally been male dominated, having both women at the forefront of this team is significant.  Out of the 40 skippers lining up to take on the world, six are female and an impressive number of women are today leading teams. Longstanding team managers include Allyson Mousselon - Hublot,  Marion Cardon - Groupe Dubreuil and Holly Cova - Team Malizia, with many other female leaders in the race organisation and across the teams making their mark in this sport. While there is still a long way to go to achieve parity in the industry, every step forward is an important one.  Today nearly 50% of IMOCA teams taking part in the Vendee Globe are managed by women.

As we approach the start of the 10th Edition of the Vendée Globe, Clarisse and Emma reflect on their journey together.
Emma Kettle has been a driving force behind the team since day one. "We didn’t exactly plan this team; a series of events led us to form it. Today, the whole team is proud of what we have managed to achieve in a relatively short time frame. From the beginning, we knew that alongside our performance goals our purpose had to be centered around 'equity’ and creating an environment where it is possible to compete in offshore racing and be a mother.

Supporting Clarisse goes beyond just competing; it’s about promoting equity and inspiring the next generation of women and men. I believe we have a responsibility to show that anyone can compete or work in this sport and encourage others to follow their dreams, no matter the challenges they may face.

Having worked in sport for 25 years and in sailing for the last decade, it’s clear there is still a long way to go. But when I walk down the race pontoons or speak with race organizers and other teams, I can see things are changing. It’s great to have other women in similar positions on different teams and to foster camaraderie behind the scenes. As a mum, I know that the juggle is real. It takes guts to do what Clarisse is doing; sailing alone around the world is one thing, but adding the dimension of being a young mum takes organization and support. Once she steps on that boat, she is a highly focused competitor, and when she’s back on land, family time takes priority. Finding that balance is the key."

Clarisse adds, "Having the 'Race for Equity' banner on my sails is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s not just a slogan; it represents a commitment to creating equal opportunities in a competitive environment that has often sidelined women, especially those balancing motherhood and a career in sailing. I’m fortunate to have the unwavering support of L'Occitane en Provence, and with a dedicated team behind me, I feel empowered to face the Vendée Globe head-on. Together, we are not just racing; we are paving the way for a future where women can thrive in this sport."