A double winner of the Tour de France à la voile and accustomed to high-level competitions, Mikaël Mergui is once again representing the colors of Métropole TPM. His attachment to the region was recently recognized with the 'Sportsman of the Year' award at the 5th edition of the Trophées TPM on October 7th.
For the skipper from Hyères, this departure marks a new opportunity to complete this transatlantic race. His first participation in 2022 ended after six days at sea due to damage, leaving him deeply frustrated. Four years later, he returns with enhanced preparation and the desire to see the adventure through aboard his 12.19-meter monohull, the Hirsch Centrakor.
For the past two years, Mikaël Mergui has been training year-round in La Trinité-sur-Mer with Daniel Souben's group. His third place in the 40’Malouine race has validated the work done on the boat's reliability. The objective is clear: 'I want to get a top 10,' he confides, while also wanting to 'enjoy it' without pressure.
Beyond the sporting performance, the adventure also takes on an educational dimension for the metropolitan area. Through the program 'En route pour le large' (On the way to the open sea), nearly 50 classes, from CE2 to CM2, will follow the skipper's crossing, with challenges on Virtual Regatta and video conferences.
Thousands of miles separate Saint-Malo from Pointe-à-Pitre. Mikael Mergui knows that weather, damage, or floating objects can change everything. Better prepared, he is determined to fully exploit his boat's potential for this second chance.
