| Age | 57 (7/10/67) |
|---|---|
| Top performance | Vendée Globe 2020 finisher |
| Joined Imoca on | 2017 |
| Team | Team Coup de Pouce |
| Base | Les Sables d'Olonne (FRANCE) |
| Partners | GIFFARD Manutention |
| Commitment | Coup de Pouce, Partenaire de la réussite scolaire |
With an upbeat and passionate personality, he loves to share his challenges with as many people as possible, always driven by his deep love for offshore racing.
Coming from a family passionate about the sea and sailing, Manuel Cousin discovered sailing at the age of six in an Optimist. Driven by a competitive spirit, he gradually moved onto larger boats, from the 6.50m to the Class40, with one constant goal: offshore racing.
With a strong technical background after more than twenty years in the automotive industry, Manuel made the bold decision to change careers and pursue his lifelong dream—becoming a professional sailor. A daring choice, fueled by his unwavering passion for sailing.
In 2014, he competed in his first Transat Jacques Vabre, joined by his sponsor, Groupe SÉTIN, which embarked on the adventure alongside him. This marked the beginning of more than three years of incredible races in Class40. In 2017, he took a new step by transitioning to the IMOCA class, with the Vendée Globe as his ultimate goal.
Determined and resolute, Manuel participated in all the IMOCA races, securing his place in the 2020 Vendée Globe. His primary objective? To complete this legendary round-the-world race. Mission accomplished: after 111 grueling days at sea and a broken keel jack, he crossed the finish line in 23rd place—never giving up, no matter the challenge. A true sailor, he knows his boat inside out and thrives on both its technical aspects and the thrill of racing.
In 2021, a major refit was carried out to boost the boat’s performance: weight reduction, modification of the bowsprit, rudder system, cockpit cover, and ballast system—every detail was optimized. That same year, he teamed up with Alexia Barrier for the Groupe SÉTIN - 4MyPlanet double-handed races, then partnered with Clément Giraud in 2023.
In 2024, Manuel competed in all the season’s races before setting off on the Vendée Globe. After 111 days at sea and numerous technical setbacks, he finished in 31st place, once again proving his endurance and determination.
2016: Quebec Saint-Malo - 14th Class40
2015: Transat Jacques Vabre - 7th in Class40
| Name | COUP DE POUCE |
|---|---|
| Sail number | FRA 71 |
| Architect | Farr Yacht Design |
| Construction | 2007, Southern Ocean Marine, Nouvelle-Zélande |
| Former names | Paprec-Virbac 2, W Hotels, ESTRELLA DAMM, WE ARE WATER, Le Bateau des Métiers by Aerocampus, La Mie Câline, La Mie Câline – Artipôle, Groupe Sétin, Giffard Manutention - Coup de Pouce |
| Length | 18,28 m |
| Beam | 5,80 m |
| Draught | 4,5 m |
| Weight | 9 tonnes |
| Mast height | 27,80m |
| Mast type | Wing mast |
| Foils | No |
| Sail area max. | |
| Upwind | 300m2 |
| Downwind | 560 m2 |
After 111 days and 38 minutes racing since leaving Les Sables d’Olonne on 10th November French skipper Manuel Cousin crossed the finish line of the Vendée Globe today at 1240hrs UTC. The 57 year old former motor industry…
•••Watch live as Manuel Cousin, skipper of Coup de Pouce, arrives in Les Sables d'Olonne, finishing the Vendée Globe in 31st place!
•••After 92 days of racing, Manuel Cousin crosses the equator, marking his return to the Northern Hemisphere! He celebrates this milestone with an offering for the ocean, his boat, and himself!
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