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The results of the 2025 edition of the transatlantic race between Concarneau and Saint-Barthélemy were exceptional, both from a sporting and a popular point of view. So much so, in fact, that some people are already thinking about seeing the Figaro Cap StBarth line up at the start in 2027.
"With these words, published online on Tuesday, Cindy Brin shares her thoughts as much as the feeling that drives all those who followed the 2025 edition of the Transat Paprec in mixed doubles. Finishing in third place on Cap StBarth with her crossing companion Thomas André, the sailor drew a large part of the island's population into the wake of the Figaro equipped by the Collectivité territoriale. So, when it comes to assessing the event, it's hard to find a single negative aspect.
The territorial councillor responsible for sports affairs, David Blanchard, immediately thinks of all the people and organizations who contributed to the success of the event. From the Collectivité's Sports Department with Magali Maxor, the Port of Saint-Barthélemy and its agents, the Comité du Tourisme with the ongoing commitment of Shirley Brin Dufay, not forgetting the Saint-Barth Yacht Club, the town of Concarneau, Paprec Energies and of course OC Sport Pen Duick. The project was entirely supported by the Collectivité," he recalls. All the elected representatives were consulted about the boat's colors, name, etc. "To fit out the boat, an investment of nearly 200,000 euros was required. The cost of organizing the whole event is around 450,000 euros. When Cindy came to Concarneau two years ago with the young people from the Saint-Barth Yacht Club, I asked her if she was interested in doing the Transat, and she said yes," recalls David Blanchard. From then on, we did everything we could to make it happen. It's a winning bet. She made all the kids at the sailing school dream. I don't think she realizes what she's done. She's like a diamond in the rough, it's what she was made for. "
Cindy's tribute to Thomas
In his praise, David Blanchard doesn't forget Damien Cloarec, who prepared Cap StBarth and was Cindy Brin's "guru", and Thomas André, who turned out to be an "exceptional" sailor. Cindy Brin pays an emotional tribute to her partner. It's not just a race we've been through, it's a human adventure, a test of life, an extraordinary challenge," writes the sailor. This crossing brought me face to face with my limits - physical, mental and emotional. The fragmented sleep, the body put to the test, the moments of doubt, the heavy silences in the middle of an infinite ocean... and yet, at every moment, there was your presence. Solid. Reliable. Committed. And above all, human. You offered me more than a position on board. You offered me your trust, and that's huge. You pushed me to look within myself for resources I never knew I had (...) There were magical moments too. Moments suspended, out of time. Sunrises in the middle of nowhere, hours of perfectly coordinated maneuvers, inhabited silences, and this shared, silent pride in every mile gained in the right direction. "
A few days after experiencing the finishes with the intensity of a young fan, Xavier Lédée takes stock of the race in his presidential office. We had some fine winners and an exceptional sporting result with Cindy, Thomas and Damien, who we mustn't forget," stresses the mayor. The organization was smooth, and the local population appreciated being able to follow the race. A local crew is obviously a plus. "In fact, the President of the Collectivité is already looking ahead to the 2027 edition. We're determined to keep the Cap StBarth boat," he assures us. There's no reason why it shouldn't happen. We'll have better control over costs, and we need to offer this possibility to other sailors on the island. These are things we'll be discussing shortly. "As to whether Cindy Brin will return for a second crossing in 2027, only she knows the answer. After all, Cap StBarth is her boat!
Old hands to remember
Since the creation of the Transat in 1992, several Saint-Barth sailors have made the crossing on local boats.
Guillaume Barraud and Kristoffer Jonsson on AGF St Barth Assurances in 1994 (15th), Markku Harmala and Richard Lédée in 2000 and 2002 on AGF St Barth Assurances (25th then 10th), Luc Poupon and Jeff Lédée on Avis Ile de St Barthélemy in 2002 (17th), Miguel Danet and Eric Péron on Concarneau Saint-Barth in 2008 (3rd) then on Unique Properties in 2018 (8th) and l'Egoïste / La Cantina in 2021 (6th), Lucky Poupon and Ronan Guérin on Solar Inox in 2008 (2nd), Miguel Danet and Damien Cloarec on Concarneau Saint-Barth in 2010 (22nd), Richard Lédée and Christophe Lebas on mémoirestbarth.com in 2010 (25th), Renaud Nicot and Guillaume Farsy on Cornouailles Solidarité St Barth in 2018 (16th).
