The First Commitment Award Women at the Helm and in the Spotlight

Anne-Claire Le Berre and Élodie-Jane Mettraux didn't just perform in the Ocean Fifty, through UpWind by MerConcept, they also championed a socially responsible project, which the TRANSAT CAFÉ L’OR chose to recognize by presenting them with the inaugural Commitment Award.

UPWIND BY MERCONCEPT: A PIONEERING PROJECT IS REWARDED

This award for commitment recognizes the very essence of UpWind by MerConcept. Launched in 2024, at a time when the multihull world lacked female participation, this project has created the first all-female duo in the Ocean Fifty class in the 24 years of the race. "Everyone worked towards this goal, and I believe this is a wonderful reward for everyone involved in the project and our sponsor, 11th Hour," says Anne-Claire Le Berre who is particularly proud of the project's "human and knowledge-sharing aspects." That sentiment echoed by Pauline Gerardin, Impact Project Manager and Partner Relations at MerConcept: "It's a boost to continue, progress, and do even better."

Because the result isn't just measured in trophies, but also in "the way people look at us, especially the young girls and women we manage to reach and inspire," continues Anne-Claire Le Berre. "Even women outside the sailing world feel involved. With each testimonial we receive, we realize the impact, and it's incredible."

This work is just beginning. The team intends to continue this momentum in the coming years, both solo and in pairs, and to develop the role of women in multihull sailing. "Through UpWind, the goal is to train women in Ocean Fifty," explains Mylène Hovington, Head of Communications at MerConcept, "to give them the opportunity to train and then hand over the reins so that, in 5 to 7 years, we have a real pool of female sailors in this class and in ULTIM."

Beyond its focus on women, Upwind by MerConcept also impressed the jury with the diversity of its commitments: a 2013 sailboat restored to extend its lifespan, active promotion of sustainable transportation in Le Havre with the slogan "No Fuel is good," participation in the Phenomer citizen science program with IFREMER, and numerous awareness-raising activities in the village.

BLEU BLANC PLANÈTE LOCATION AND LES P’TITS DOUDOUS ON THE PODIUM

All these initiatives were taken into account in the evaluation criteria common to all categories. Indeed, the jury, composed of a representative from the French Sailing Federation, two representatives from the TRANSAT CAFÉ L’OR, and the patron of this edition, Claudie Haigneré, evaluated the applications using a system that awarded 1, 2, or 3 points per action undertaken in the areas of sustainable mobility, logistical efficiency, participation in scientific projects with IFREMER, awareness-raising activities in the village, and eco-design of the boats.

Following a thorough review, while the crew of Upwind by MerConcept (Ocean Fifty) stood out with 15 points, two other teams tied for second place with 10 points. Bleu Blanc Planète Location (Class 40) distinguished itself through the eco-design of its communication materials and the creation of an educational guide, "Little Ocean Explorers," 600 copies of which were distributed in the village.

The P’tits Doudous (IMOCA) team was recognized for the exemplary eco-design of their boat, made from 65% recycled carbon fiber from the aerospace industry, and also for using a mainsail made from 50% flax fiber.

With this Commitment Award, the TRANSAT CAFÉ L’OR affirms a clear ambition: to support the evolution of offshore racing, where sporting performance now goes hand in hand with concrete commitments to the environment, inclusion, and knowledge transfer.