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.
2019: Solitaire Urgo le Figaro - 14th
2018: Route du Rhum – ABD
2019: Drheam Cup - 7th
2016: World Tour with Spindrift in 47days
2014-2015: Volvo Ocean Race (Alvimedica)
2011-2012: Volvo Ocean Race (Groupama 4) - 1st
2007: Mini Transat 6.50
| Name | FOUSSIER |
|---|---|
| Sail number | FRA 83 |
| Architect | Farr Yacht Design |
| Construction | 2006, JMV Industries, Cherbourg |
| Former names | DELTA DORE, Bureau Vallée, Vers un monde sans sida, COMPAGNIE DU LIT / JILITI, Cap Agir Ensemble |
| Length | 18,28 m |
| Beam | 5,75 m |
| Draught | 4,50 m |
| Weight | 8,5 tonnes |
| Mast height | 29 m |
| Mast type | Mât classique |
| Foils | No |
| Sail area max. | |
| Upwind | 300 m2 |
| Downwind | 620 m2 |
On June 11, 2025, on the occasion of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC), the IMOCA Class and Ifremer co-organized a side event at the Institut de la Mer in Villefranche-sur-Mer (IMEV).
•••The 10th edition of the Vendée Globe will go down as one of the greatest in the race’s history, featuring more boats on the startline than ever before, more finishers than ever before, and an emphatic and record-breaking…
•••On crossing the finish line in Les Sables d’Olonne on February 9th, the skipper of Foussier took 27th place, at 1237hrs (UTC), after 91 days and 35 minutes at sea. The completion of this circumnavigation marks a colossal…
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