Originally from Normandy, Théa Khelif is one of the rising stars of the new generation of committed skippers. At just 22 years old, and after honing her skills in dinghy sailing and crewed sailing, she boldly launched herself into the professional offshore racing circuit. Founder and leading figure of the Women of Course project, she doesn't just sail: she advocates for the feminization of the sport and the transmission of expertise to future generations of female sailors. For only her second season as a skipper, she is preparing to take on the challenge of a lifetime: crossing the Atlantic solo in the legendary Route du Rhum.
The date is set: on November 6th, Saint-Malo will be buzzing with excitement for the start of the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe. For Théa Khelif, this moment will mark a major turning point. With just 184 days to go, the young skipper displays Olympian calm, fueled by unwavering determination and a clear vision of what lies ahead.
Technical preparations are off to a promising start.
Théa's spirits are high. And it's no wonder, given the recent positive signs: she just completed her very first solo race, the Trinité-Cowes (Trin 40) . A pivotal experience that served as a dress rehearsal before taking the plunge.
"I feel pretty good," she confides. "This first solo race went very well. We encountered varied conditions, which is ideal for refining our work and perfecting the boat's preparation. For now, we still have a long way to go."
While the technical aspects are progressing, Théa doesn't hide the fact that the challenge is also administrative and financial. As a young skipper, finding partners remains a top priority to secure this "major event" and allow her to fully concentrate on offshore racing.
The "Rhum", a monument of sailing
For Théa, lining up at the start in Saint-Malo is no small thing. In the sailing world, as well as in the eyes of the general public, the Route du Rhum is a legend, often cited as the most demanding race after the Vendée Globe.
"It's a very impressive race. To be able to compete in it when this is only my second season as a skipper is a huge source of pride. I know there's still work to be done to be ready on race day, but I have an extremely good support system. It will be a great achievement, not only for me, but for my entire team who work behind the scenes."
Navigating for performance and transmission
Beyond pure competition, Théa's project is driven by a broader mission: that of the Women of Course project, based in Normandy. The objective is clear: to pave the way and show that competitive sailing is a field where women have their rightful place, regardless of their generation.
Her sporting goals are therefore intrinsically linked to this cause: "My goal is to finish this race by managing my resources as best as possible. I want to maintain my performance over the long term, until the arrival in Guadeloupe. The better the performance, the more credibility and confidence we will give to the Women of Course project. We want to inspire girls of my generation and younger ones."
With 184 days to go, Théa Khelif isn't just preparing for a crossing; she's outlining a more inclusive and daring sailing style. A face to watch closely on the Saint-Malo docks this November.
