Tanguy Le Turquais is embarking on his dream journey in the Vendée Globe, a prestigious sailing race that has long inspired him. His passion for offshore racing, ignited by Helen McArthur’s 2001 performance, has evolved into a commitment to meaningful values beyond competition. Collaborating with the Lazare initiative, which supports shared housing for professionals and the homeless, Tanguy aims to raise awareness while navigating the challenges of his solo adventure. Follow his journey for weekly updates.
The Vendée Globe: A Dream Come True for Tanguy Le Turquais
Every sailor recognizes the Vendée Globe as the ultimate challenge in the world of sailing competitions. While only a handful of participants have tasted victory, many dream of taking that monumental first step at Les Sables-d’Olonne—a triumph in itself. Among the forty determined skippers this year is Tanguy Le Turquais, who is excited to fulfill a lifelong aspiration. “The Vendée Globe is the race I have always dreamed of; every other experience has paved the way for this moment,” he shares with enthusiasm. “It was a hidden ambition that I never thought I’d achieve.” Reflecting on his journey, Tanguy recalls a pivotal moment that ignited his passion for the race: Helen McArthur’s remarkable performance in 2001. “I was just ten years old then, and her story resonated with an entire generation. This young British sailor almost clinched victory. Even though she came in second, her arrival felt like a win.” For Tanguy and his sisters, the memory stands out—especially since their mother had lifted a ban on television for the occasion, allowing them to witness history unfold. The significance of that moment took years to fully sink in, but it undeniably planted the seeds of ambition for the Vendée Globe in Tanguy’s heart.
A Commitment Beyond Sailing
As Tanguy prepares for his own adventure, he finds himself deep in thought, contemplating the true essence of offshore racing and his dedication to it: “Initially, my sailing was a personal joy, a chance to escape to the sea alone. However, that wasn’t enough anymore. I wanted my journey to stand for something greater—values that transcend the sport itself, even though the spirit of competition is beautiful!” This is when Lazare enters the picture. Lazare is an initiative of young individuals striving to create shared housing solutions in urban areas for both working professionals and those experiencing homelessness. “To engage young professionals, they need to learn about Lazare. And what better platform than the Vendée Globe to spread the word?”
In fact, Tanguy’s connection with Lazare blossomed during the previous Vendée Globe in 2021, thanks to his wife, Clarisse Crémer—a fellow sailor and the godmother of Lazare. As he boarded a Zodiac to welcome her back, Tanguy found himself engaging with “Lazare housemates.” Amidst the crashing waves, he was inspired by their enthusiasm and their shared excitement about the upcoming 2024 race. “They envisioned themselves starting alongside Clarisse, but plans changed,” Tanguy chuckles. Since 2021, he has been incorporating their spirit into his IMOCA preparations. For the past three years, Tanguy Le Turquais has been meticulously shaping his Vendée Globe mission alongside them, an iconic solo endeavor. Through countless conversations with the Lazare housemates, he recognizes their struggles with solitude during his three-month journey—an isolation he knows will be deeply felt, albeit their circumstances were unchosen. Nevertheless, Tanguy is confident that he will carry the moral support of Lazare with him, akin to being part of a shared household. “It’s remarkable; without this collective effort, I would have likely stayed on my couch. This endeavor proves that individual pursuits have limitations, but together, we can truly achieve great things.”
Join Tanguy Le Turquais on his extraordinary Vendée Globe journey by following his weekly logbook updates with GetYourGuide.
For more details, visit www.tanguyleturquaisnavigateur.com
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