© Sailing Energy / The Ocean Race

Among the crews to follow closely throughout the race, Team Holcim-PRB stands out. Dutch sailor Rosalin Kuiper, the only female skipper in The Ocean Race Europe, will be able to rely on the boat knowledge of Nicolas Lunven, the racing skills of Carolijn Brouwer and Alan Roberts, and the extensive experience of Franck Cammas. Here, it is Franck himself who introduces the team.

It’s no secret: Franck Cammas is a man who moves quickly, constantly taking on new challenges. This year, he’s actively seeking sponsors for The Ocean Race 2027 and the Vendée Globe 2028 (via his Sailing Generations project), while also being Tom Laperche’s co-skipper for the upcoming Transat Café L’Or this autumn aboard the Ultim SVR-Lazartigue.

At the same time, Franck joined the Holcim-PRB team, with whom he raced the Course des Caps in June (finishing 3rd), and is now gearing up for The Ocean Race Europe. “Switching from the Ultim to the IMOCA always takes a bit of adjustment,” he admits, “but it’s still sailing – you get back into it quickly!”

Rosalin Kuiper: “conducting the orchestra”

On board Holcim-PRB, Franck brings his experience and expertise to a team led by Rosalin Kuiper. Although less known in France, this sailor is full of talent: the young mother is the only woman heading a team in The Ocean Race Europe. At just 29, she already has an impressive track record. She won the first edition of The Ocean Race Europe with Yoann Richomme in 2021 (VO65 Mirpuri Foundation Racing Team) and finished third in The Ocean Race 2023 aboard Malizia-Seaexplorer. Franck calls her “a very talented, motivated, and enthusiastic skipper” who “knows how to bring out the best in her crew.”

Rosalin will take on a “conductor’s role,” leading a group of renowned sailors.

Among them is Nicolas Lunven, her teammate aboard Malizia-Seaexplorer during the last edition of The Ocean Race. Importantly, “Nico” also sailed the last Vendée Globe on Holcim-PRB with notable skill. Franck highlights his “perfect knowledge of the boat” and “expertise in weather routing and strategic decisions.”

Also on board is Alan Roberts, a “versatile” sailor: “He’s a Figaro racer – he can do it all on board!” Alan was part of Paul Meilhat’s crew on Biotherm in The Ocean Race 2023 and later co-skippered with Clarisse Crémer during her Vendée Globe 2024 preparation with L’Occitane en Provence. At 35, this edition of The Ocean Race Europe will be special for Alan – his new wife, Amélie Grassi, will be racing against him on Biotherm.

“A real chance of winning”

Team Holcim-PRB will also benefit from the presence of Carolijn Brouwer, a three-time Olympic athlete and world champion in dinghy sailing. She has competed in two previous editions of The Ocean Race (Team SCA 2014–2015 and Dongfeng 2017–2018). Franck praises her racing instincts: “She has great feel and knows how to sail fast and precisely.”The crew will also include two OBRs sharing the importnat role (onboard reporters): Anne Beaugé – who previously sailed with Biotherm in The Ocean Race – and Adrien Nivet.

With such a talented crew, what can Holcim-PRB hope for? After finishing third in the Course des Caps in early July, Franck believes the team “has a real shot at winning.”

“Compared to the latest-generation boats, we may not have the fastest IMOCA, but it’s very versatile, especially upwind and in light conditions.” And he knows that The Ocean Race Europe “won’t be a pure speed contest,” with many transitions and varied conditions ahead. Franck, smiling, says: “I think we can really stand out.”

Source : HOLCIM-PRB