Team Paprec is throwing open its doors at the Route du Rhum to five young women with a passion for sailing, offering an immersion day in the race village followed by a seat at the NAVIGANTES gala dinner, an event that brings together virtually every woman active in offshore racing today.
The initiative runs on 23 October in Saint-Malo. Applications opened on Monday 5 October, with places strictly limited to five.
For Paprec, the move continues years of work pushing for greater gender diversity in ocean racing. The company was the first sponsor to require mixed crews in one of its own events, the Transat en double, and has backed women's access to the sport both afloat and in the shore-based trades that keep a campaign running. Paprec has also partnered the NAVIGANTES podcast since its very first episode back in October 2022.
The day splits into two parts. In the afternoon, the five selected applicants get behind-the-scenes access to the Route du Rhum village alongside Yoann Richomme, skipper of the Team Paprec IMOCA and runner-up in the 2024-2025 Vendée Globe, and his team. There's a pontoon walk, a close look at the race boats, and conversations with the people whose day jobs keep a campaign like this one running.
Then, in the evening, it's on to the NAVIGANTES gala, organised by Sailorz. For the first time in the sport's history, the event will bring together the full community of women racing offshore today.
The schedule runs tight: 4pm, welcome at the village by Team Paprec; 4.30pm, on the pontoons with Richomme; 5.30pm, behind the scenes at the village; 6.30pm, a round-table session titled "And you, what do you want to do?" Dinner and the NAVIGANTES evening follow from 7.30pm.
Eligibility is open. Any young woman aged 14 or over who sails, follows offshore racing closely, or is involved in the sport in some way can apply, regardless of experience level.
Two things are required by 12 October. First, a short personal statement, either 300 words of text or a one-minute video, covering who you are, why you sail, and what sailing has taught you. Second, an answer to one question: if you could spend a day with anyone from offshore racing, who would it be, and why?
A few practical notes apply. Travel costs are not covered. Minors may have a guardian present during the day, and parental consent is required to attend the evening gala. All participants will need to sign an image rights release.
