Sébastien
MARSSET

Single-handed, double-handed, crewed, across the Atlantic or around the world... At the age of 39, Sébastien Marsset is one of those all-round skippers, renowned for his ability to shine both at the head of his own project and as a first-rate crew member on prestigious teams.

In just over ten years, he has gone from his first transatlantic race in a Mini (a 6.50 m sailboat) to a round-the-world record aboard Spindrift, a 40-meter trimaran. He has competed in two Volvo Ocean Races and took part in the 2019 Transat Jacques Vabre in an IMOCA alongside Romain Attanasio.

Versatile on the water, Sébastien is just as dedicated on land. He applies the same discipline to his physical preparation as he does to studying weather patterns, and he approaches the technical management of his projects with as much enthusiasm as he does his relationships with sponsors. Married and a father of two, he set himself a clear goal: to be on the starting line of the 2024 Vendée Globe.

For the skipper of the IMOCA Foussier, simply making it to the start of the Vendée Globe 2024 was already an achievement. Between financial struggles and a small but devoted team working tirelessly to bring his project to life, every step toward this solo round-the-world race was a battle.

His preparation had been far from smooth. Forced to abandon the Transat CIC 2024—a key qualifying race—he had to redouble his efforts to secure his place at the start. And once at sea, the challenges kept coming. A torn gennaker slowed his progress, depriving him of a crucial sail for downwind conditions. Then, just days before reaching Les Sables-d’Olonne, a motor failure added one final hurdle to an already demanding journey.

Despite it all, Sébastien Marsset persevered and crossed the finish line in 27th place.

On the occasion of The Ocean Race Europe, Scott Shawyer called on Sébastien Marsset to join his crew for all stages of the race.