• Home
• Skippers
• IMOCA Races
• About the Class
• IMOCA Rules
• Boats for Sale
• Contact

IMOCA BUSINESS CLUB

Vincent Riou

Born on 9th January 1972 in Pont l'Abbé (Brittany, France)
Lives in La Forêt-fouesnant (Brittany, France)
Skipper of PRB since 2003

www.prb.fr/voile
 

  Nicknamed “Vincent le Terrible” by Jean Le Cam during the 2004 Vendée Globe which he brilliantly won, Riou has a vast sailing and technical background, making him one of France’s most versatile and talented ocean racers. The discreet Breton sailor won the national Match Racing championship in 1994, animated the very competitive Figaro single-handed circuit, won major events of the Mini circuit, raced ORMA trimarans… while still participating in the “local” round-the-cans scene!


In the field of IMOCA Open 60s, Vincent learnt a lot alongside Michel Desjoyeaux, being “The Professor’s” chief preparateur for the winning 2000 Vendée Globe campaign. He then “inherited” the Finot-designed PRB, and went on to claim victory in the 2004 edition of the famous round-the-world solo race, achieving the stunning feat of beating newer-generation boats thanks to a comprehensive optimization and astounding tactical clairvoyance.


Today, Riou’s new Farr-designed PRB is clearly one of the top boats to beat, having dominated the tough Calais Round Britain Race, won the Rolex Fastnet Race and led the Barcelona World Race before sadly breaking the top of her mast – which forced Riou and co-skipper Josse to retire. A man of few words, Vincent a calm and cold-blooded competitor while at the same time a very gentle and authentic man.


Results

- 2007 : Retired from the Barcelona World Race (doubles with Sébastien Josse), Winner of the Rolex Fastnet Race (doubles with Sébastien Josse), Winner of the Calais Round Britain Race (in team)
- 2005: 11th of the Tour de Bretagne à la Voile in Figaro with Jérémie Beyou aboard Deltadore, Rooter for Banque Populaire (winner) and Roxy for the Transat Jacques Vabre, FFV Seaman of the Year.
- 2004: Winner of the Vendée Globe in 87 days 10 hours 47 minutes and 55 seconds, The Transat : retired after losing his mast, The Calais 1000 miles: 4th (aboard PRB)
- 2003: Calais Round Britain Race : 3rd, Fastnet Rolex Race : 2nd, Transat Jacques Vabre : 4th (with Jérémie Beyou), Atlantic Challenge: 2nd (aboard PRB)
- 2002: 4th AG2R Transat with Eric Drouglazet, 4th Generali Mediterranean, 4th Single-handed Figaro (in a Figaro)
- 2001: Season on the Bonduelle multihull (skipper Jean Le Cam), Transat Jacques Vabre with Bernard Stamm : 8th
- 2000: Prepared the 60-foot PRB for Michel Desjoyeaux, the Vendée Globe winner
- 1999: Obelix Trophy in a Figaro : 1st, Member of the French Champion Figaro crew
- 1998: Bénéteau 25 European Circuit : 2nd, French Champion in First Class 8
- 1997: French Champion in First Class 8
- 1996: Round Finistère: 1st, 1st Solo Télégramme Race Mini Fastnet : 1st, French Champion in First Class 8
- 1994: French Champion in Match Racing
- 1993: Transat Jacques Vabre : 6th


Press Contact: Fabienne Morin ou Eric Coquerel at agence@effetsmer.com

Back to Race News