Violette Dorange's sailing career seems to be under a lucky star. She was born in Rochefort in the west of France in 2001 - the same year that 24-year-old Ellen MacArthur sensationally came second in the fourth edition of the Vendée Globe. No wonder the exceptional British sailor is one of Dorange's absolute idols.
Violet Dorange sails a non-foiler
23 years later, Violette Dorange has set off on her own to take part in the toughest sailing race in the world. As the youngest starter in Vendée history, Dorange can count on three old hands from the French offshore scene to mentor her: Jean-Pierre Dick (nicknamed "JP"), Damien Guillou and Jean Le Cam. While "JP" has long been in the game as a family friend and supporter, Guillou is the technical brain of the campaign, having already prepared the Vendée boats of Escoffier and Le Cam. The latter has made his boat from the last edition of the cult regatta available, with which he sailed to a much-acclaimed fourth place. In 2009, it was even Michel Desjoyeaux's winning boat. Technically, the 17-year-old non-foiler cannot keep up with the current high-tech rockets, but the boat has proven itself time and time again and withstood the enormous continuous loads.
The French woman is media-shy
But what is behind the newcomer, who is protected and hermetically shielded by her team? Not much gets out and interview requests are categorically refused. On her social media channel Instagram, however, Violette Dorange gives insights into her sailing and soul life. She appears small, delicate and fragile, but also focussed and at peace with herself, as only people who have spent half their lives at sea can be. At the same time, the Frenchwoman, who is only 1.60 metres tall, exudes so much charm and kindness that you can't help but take her to your heart. She had already gained over 80,000 followers before the start in Les Sables-d'Olonne.
Social commitment
She herself has a big heart for disadvantaged children and young people. The sailor has been a volunteer for the Apprentis d'Auteuil foundation since she came of age. "I've always wanted to benefit society and give my project a purpose. I wouldn't be here if people hadn't given me a chance or trusted me. I want them to believe in themselves and their future." Looking at the pictures, it seems impossible that this is a PR exercise aimed solely at attracting sponsors. Whether visiting the foundation's facilities or exercising on board the Imoca, Violette's eyes light up with those of the children.
Successful sailing career
She has been motivated by sporting competition since she was a child. At the age of 13, she sailed for France at the Optimist World Championships in Argentina. Surrounded by 300 competitors from all over the world, she realised for the first time that she could go far in sailing. In the same year, the adventurer's heart began to beat in her chest. Inspired by extreme sportsman Mike Horn and her sailing heroes Ellen MacArthur and Samantha Davies, the idea for her first own project matures: crossing the English Channel in an Opti.
Two years later, Violette successfully implements her plan and sails from the Isle of Wight to Cherbourg. The night-time departure, the first sunrise at sea and 15 hours of non-stop sailing turned the small project into her first big adventure. This was followed by the crossing of the Strait of Gibraltar, also in an Opti, and the realisation that they would soon be taking on the high seas. Her sailing career took off. She became French champion twice in the 420 and the thought of the Olympics was tempting. But instead of making the leap to the 470 racing dinghy and an Olympic career, she decides in favour of a mini-transat campaign. The call of the ocean is already too powerful for the young woman to let go.
The high seas are calling Violette Dorange
As the youngest participant, she took part in her first race across the Atlantic in 2019 at the age of 17. Starting in her native La Rochelle, she reached the Caribbean in 16th place after the obligatory stopover in Gran Canaria. Three years in the Figaro de Solitaire racing circus followed, with the tireless newcomer working her way up from thirtieth to tenth place. It was during this time that she decided to compete in the Vendée Globe 2024. A little early, as she herself later admits, but why wait when the opportunity arises? After all, she has always had to compete with older and often male sailors.
The allure of the Vendée Globe
Even as a little girl, she stood on the quay wall in Les Sables-d'Olonne to see off the heroes of the high seas, so revered in France, as they set sail. Even though she was unable to understand the significance and dimensions of this folk festival-like event at the time, the feeling of departure and adventure was deeply rooted in her.
Now she has made her own way through the legendary canal, lined with thousands of fans, leading to the start. Together with her idols and other greats of the offshore scene. Whatever the outcome of her solo ride, nobody can take this magical moment away from her. She is currently in midfield.
From sailor to manager
But getting here was by no means a walk in the park, not even for the always carefree-looking high-flyer. "The most difficult part of the Vendée is making it to the start line in the first place." As two-time participant Norbert Sedlacek once explained in a YACHT interview. The lengthy and exhausting search for sponsors alone is an enormous mental test.
At the same time, Violette Dorange has to organise a boat, find sponsors and gain as much ocean experience as possible. Not only to qualify, but also to train her technique, tactics and stamina. After all, she has never been on a boat solo and non-stop for more than 20 days. And a mini doesn't make an Imoca.
Jean Le Cam is impressed by the young lady and reserves his boat from the last Vendée for her until the financing is in place.
The main sponsor of the project, "Devenir", which is emblazoned in gold letters on the dark cloths, may seem unusual, but it fulfils its purpose just as well as the well-known offshore sponsors Holcim (building materials producer) or Maître CoQ (food manufacturer). It is interesting to note that almost the entire French franchise landscape has been scoured and around 130 branches are involved in the project. Whether the "Devenir" racing goat was also supplied with McDonald's fast food products remains a mystery, however.
Premiere in the Imoca class
With Le Cam's well-deserved "Hubert" alias "Devenir", the 2023 Atlantic regatta Retour à La Base will be a trial by fire for the newly qualified solo Imoca skipper. Once again, she is the youngest. After a good start, difficulties arise and Violette does not yet understand her boat. The sails and autopilot are not well adjusted and there are a few breakages. But she reaches the finish line and the lesson is well spent. In the two Atlantic races Transat CIC and New York Vendée in 2024, she opted for a more conservative performance approach and meticulously prepared her boat before each approaching front. There is now a good understanding of the balance between safety and performance - an approach that is also familiar from Boris Herrmann.
Despite having started studying engineering, the complex electrics and repairing composite materials on the high seas were a bit of a headache. This lack of knowledge and experience could not be completely eradicated by the start. Violette therefore has to rely on the help of her shore crew led by Damien Guillou in tricky situations. She is aware that she could also be at a physical disadvantage compared to the men if the wind pressure is right. She tries to compensate for this imbalance through good management of her physical energy reserves and an optimised long-term strategy.
Violette Dorange has respect for the Vendée Globe
No one who has never experienced it for themselves can really adjust to the constant stresses and strains, especially in the notoriously stormy Southern Ocean. Apart from fitness and sleep training and a good dose of awe, there's not much you can do. You just have to go through it and gain experience. Violet's greatest idol, Ellen MacArthur, passed this maturity test with flying colours and proved that women can be more than a match for men in ocean sailing. Just like the South African Kirsten Neuschäfer, who won the Golden Globe Race, or most recently the American Cole Brauer in the Global Solo Challenge.
The goal for Violette Dorange is the goal
The list goes on, with six women competing in this Vendée alone. It seems only a matter of time before the first one also wins the Mount Everest of the seas. However, a podium place does not yet play a role in Violette's thoughts, as she said before the start: "My biggest dream for this race would be to be able to finish it, regardless of the placing. But I know that it could be over at any time for any number of reasons - be it due to a collision with a container or another unforeseen event. And even if that were to happen, I would be happy just to have completed these instructive transatlantic voyages and all the preparation. It wouldn't stop me from competing again in four years' time. That's the spirit of the Vendée Globe!"
