François Gabart and his partner Macif announced Tuesday morning that the skipper will not participate in The Transat CIC, a new version of the famous English transatlantic race which will start on May 10 from Brest towards Charleston in the United States. "I am tired. I do not feel capable of taking the start with a sufficient level of commitment, "said François Gabart, holder of the title of the transatlantic race in the Ultimate category. Pascal Bidégorry will helm the Macif trimaran for the 2020 edition of this race. “I am delighted that it was Pascal. He knows the boat well. And he will be able to have this commitment 24 hours a day, "added the solo round-the-world record holder who announces a return to competition in 2021 after the launch of his new boat scheduled for early that year.
"Sailing solo on this boat does not allow you to take a step back"
François Gabart“It's a break on the water alone. But I will be there in training and on the ground. I will be present with the team. I want to see my job a little differently to prepare for the future. Sailing solo on this boat does not allow you to take a step back ”, specifies the Charentais of 36 years who therefore passes the bar to Pascal Bidégorry. The latter is a great connoisseur of the Macif trimaran since he has regularly participated in its evolution and the preparation of its races in recent years. Together, Gabart and Bidégorry won the Transat Jacques Vabre on board in 2015. “It is extraordinary to have the honor and the opportunity to sail on this boat. I feel a lot of pride, I am delighted. And very determined to prepare this well with this team that I know well. I'm not in great stress, ”said the winner of the Solitaire du Figaro 2000.
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