Passionate, committed, and always giving 100%, Sophie Faguet is preparing to take on a new challenge: her first solo Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe. Aboard Grand Rhino , the Le Havre-based sailor is tackling one of the most legendary offshore races, driven by the desire to perform well but, above all, to fully experience this collective adventure that has been with her for several seasons. Between preparation, apprehension, sporting ambitions, and gratitude for those who support her, Sophie Faguet shares her journey.
The call of the open sea and the birth of a vocation
"I am passionate about the sea for the space of freedom, mystery and challenges it represents. It is an environment in which I live fully. When I am on the water, I am totally disconnected from everything else, whether it is in competition, cruising or any other nautical activity. I find the marine element hypnotic, magnificent and captivating, and it is a great opportunity to be able to work there so often.
Competition, for its part, came early. First in swimming, then in sailing after discovering the sport at school in Granville. From my first outings, and throughout my adolescence, sailing became increasingly time-consuming. Initially, it was Wednesday afternoons, then weekends competing, before completely devouring school holidays. To be able to do even more, I naturally focused the end of my studies (STAPS - Sports Science) on teaching sailing. It was a great way to combine high-level sport with professional practice, specifically at the Société des Régates du Havre (Le Havre Regatta Society). This allowed me to test myself in different disciplines: fleet racing, offshore racing, and match racing. My strength lies in my versatility. These disciplines allow me to develop very different skills, all useful at each new starting line.
It's been six years now that I've dedicated myself 100% to professional offshore racing, and it's a constant challenge. Initially working as a contractor for other people's projects, which led me to race my first transatlantic races in 2023, I've since relaunched a project that reflects who I am and embodies my values. Long may it last!
Impatience and apprehension before the big departure
As the race approaches, my main feeling is one of urgency. Eager to experience and share the village atmosphere with our two associations, the project's partner companies, and our supporters. I remain focused on all the tasks that need to be completed before I can finally cast off and dedicate myself 200% to the competition, without worrying about anything else.
I'm finding it hard to anticipate how I'll experience this crossing, since it's my first solo voyage. Naturally, there's some apprehension about what I don't control and what could jeopardize this wonderful adventure. But I'm deeply committed to enjoying it, having fun, fighting for my place, and above all, not letting down everyone behind the project.
Appropriate physical preparation and an aligned mindset
In practical terms, my physical training has adapted considerably to my travels. Very comprehensive and intense during the first three months of the year, it allowed me to reach peak physical condition. Then we entered the sailing and racing phase, which imposes a completely different rhythm. Between each competition, I traveled with the boat to meet with associations and our partners. As a result, I spent more time on the water and less time in the gym or swimming pools. With a month to go before the start, I'm trying to stabilize my training a bit more and I've hired a personal trainer to get back into a regular routine and ensure I'm in top form.
Regarding mental preparation, I know it's essential. While I certainly can't implement everything perfectly, I feel fairly aligned with my project. Discussions with partners help me gain perspective and make the right choices. If I feel myself starting to get overwhelmed, I won't hesitate to call on a coach I worked with in 2025. I'll remain very vigilant about this right up until the big day.
Route du Rhum objective: to perform well aboard Grand Rhino
For this first Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe, my goals are simple: to have fun and perform well, while enjoying the race village with my associations and partners. I want to share all the emotions of the start of this legendary race with my supporters.
From a sporting perspective, it's difficult for me to gauge my position in the fleet, as this is the first time all 49 competitors will be together. It's also the first time I'll be making this crossing on this boat and solo. However, I feel good aboard Grand Rhino, I still believe she's very competitive, and I have absolute confidence in our ability to finish. I had a very good Drheam Cup recently, and I'll do everything I can to repeat that performance.
A huge thank you to the collective
If I have one last message to share, it's one of gratitude. A huge thank you for all the trust placed in me, first by Ellye and L'Arche in France, and then by my partners, many of whom knew nothing about competitive sailing. They gradually became captivated over the last three seasons.
I want to promise them that I will put all my energy into this race; anyway, I don't really know how to do anything other than go all out! I invite them to continue to promote this wonderful project alongside me in order to further grow our collective, because many other challenges await us afterwards.