Skipper NameVincent Riou (021pts)

About the Skipper

Nicknamed Vincent the Terrible by Jean Le Cam during the 2004-2005 Vendée Globe, which he won in style, Vincent Riou is certainly one of the most talented sailors of his generation. An efficient hard worker, who remains very discreet, Vincent was the technical coordinator of PRB that Michel Desjoyeaux sailed to victory in the 2000 Vendée Globe. Two years later, he was also behind Desjoyeaux’s victory in the 2002 Route du Rhum, but this time as router. Two different victories showing off the wide range of skills, which would take him to the summit – the 2004-2005 Vendée Globe, which he completed after 87 days of sailing around the world.
 

In the 2008-2009 non-stop solo round the world race, Vincent Riou entered the history books again, when he went to rescue Jean Le Cam, who had capsized off the Horn. The rescue was successful but Vincent was unable to complete his round the world voyage, after his boat was dismasted a few hours later.The skipper of PRB is now looking forward to the 2012-2013 Vendée Globe.

For his new boat, Vincent chose VPLP/Verdier as designers. Launched on 11^th March 2010, the new PRB was the first IMOCA boat in the new generation. With his new boat, Vincent Riou ended up in second place in the crewed Round Spain Race, after a great duel with Marc Guillemot’s Safran. He finished 5th in the 2010 Route du Rhum, which is a stepping zone to the 2012 Vendée Globe.

It is highly likely that this cool-headed competitor will be one of the men to beat in the coming event, the Vendée Globe of course.