Paul
MEILHAT

Beyond competition, Paul Meilhat contributes to oceanographic research by collecting plankton data in remote areas. Through L’Échappée Bleue, he also introduces children to sailing and raises their awareness of protecting aquatic environments.

In 2014, Paul Meilhat won the Transat AG2R La Mondiale with Gwénolé Gahinet, a victory that opened the doors to the SMA group. He joined the IMOCA circuit in 2015 and finished 4th in both the New York-Vendée and The Transat Bakerly. While sailing in the top three of the Vendée Globe, a keel failure forced him to retire after 52 days at sea.

In 2017, he racked up victories with Gwénolé Gahinet (ArMen Race, Fastnet Race and Défi Azimut), before finishing 2nd in the Transat Jacques Vabre. In 2018, he won the Monaco Globe Series, followed by the Route du Rhum aboard a non-foiling IMOCA.

After being crowned IMOCA Champion in 2021 alongside Charlie Dalin, he set his sights on The Ocean Race 2023 and the Vendée Globe 2024. In 2022, he and Biotherm launched the construction of a new IMOCA designed by Guillaume Verdier. He finished 6th in the Route du Rhum, then 4th in The Ocean Race 2023. Teamed with Mariana Lobato for the Transat Jacques Vabre, he was forced to retire after a mainsail tear.

In the 2024 Vendée Globe, despite a broken J2 stay and a difficult climb back up the Atlantic, Paul Meilhat secured a remarkable 5th place.

In 2025, he continued his journey with Biotherm by entering The Ocean Race Europe.