Basile Bourgnon starts sailing race

This Sunday, Basile Bourgnon will begin the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, a prestigious sailing race across the Atlantic Ocean. The event, which takes place annually, sees competitors sail from Saint-Malo in France to Guadeloupe in the Caribbean.

Honoring a father’s legacy

Basile is attempting to follow in the footsteps of his father, Laurent Bourgnon, who won the race twice in 1994 and 1998 before vanishing at sea in 2015. Laurent’s absence has left a lasting impact on Basile, who now competes in the same race thirty years after his father’s victories.

Basile’s sailing journey

Basile’s passion for sailing began at age 11, when he started on a repaired catamaran. Though he has competed in various classes, including Mini and Figaro, he feels most at home on multihulls, which are boats with multiple hulls designed for speed.

Father’s influence and memory

Basile acknowledges the frequent reminders of his father’s legacy in interviews, but he views it as part of his own identity. He admires his father not only as a parent but also as an athlete and pioneer in sailing, crediting him with teaching him adaptability and independence.

Unconventional upbringing

Basile spent seven years living on a boat, an experience shaped by his father’s parenting style. His father encouraged autonomy and freedom while maintaining high standards. This upbringing allowed Basile to be self-taught and adaptable, qualities he now values in his sailing career.