Marie Gendron sets sail!
Marie Gendron has just reached a decisive milestone in her sailing career by participating in the 2025 Laura Vergne Trophy. This competition, which took place from 11 to 16 April in La Trinité-sur-Mer, marks her entry into the “big league” of the Figaro circuit.
A promising debut at the Laura Vergne Trophy
For her first race in the Figaro category, Marie Gendron and her crew member Jacques Delcroix delivered a strong performance by finishing 6th. This result takes on particular significance when you consider that the podium was composed of the last two elite French champions.
“We can be proud of having closely challenged the podium. As a ‘newcomer’ in the Figaro category, this 6th place has a very special flavour!”, Marie shares enthusiastically.
This third edition of the Laura Vergne Trophy, organised as a prelude to the Spi Ouest France, brought together ten duos and four crews on coastal courses in Quiberon Bay. The competition, which is part of the Académie Figaro Beneteau calendar, represents an ideal springboard for sailors wishing to establish themselves in this demanding category.
Technical challenges brilliantly overcome
Marie’s journey has not been without obstacles. The crew had to face several technical difficulties, notably a mainsail damaged during a manoeuvre in challenging weather conditions.
Despite these setbacks, Marie draws a very positive conclusion from this first experience: “The most important thing to remember is that we’re going to the right places with the right speeds, and that’s already a very good point.”
This ability to maintain course and optimal speed despite the challenges demonstrates Marie’s professionalism and determination. These qualities will be essential for the remainder of her season.
Now heading for the Solo Maître Coq: a new solo challenge
Marie Gendron does not intend to stop there. Her next objective is already set: the Solo Maître Coq in Les Sables d’Olonne, which will take place from 3 to 11 May 2025.
This 22nd edition of the Solo Maître Coq represents an even greater challenge for Marie. She will be competing against 18 other Figaro sailors, some of them highly experienced such as Tom Dolan, recent winner of La Solitaire du Figaro. The distinctive feature of this race? Marie will be sailing solo this time.
The programme promises to be intense with:
- Two days of coastal courses on 6 and 7 May
- A Grande Course of 320 miles with a start on 8 May
- A return to port scheduled for 10 May
- The prize-giving ceremony on 11 May
Why is this race so important?
The Solo Maître Coq is one of the major events on the Figaro circuit. Created in 2003, it enables sailors to face the demands of a professional offshore racing circuit with the Figaro Beneteau 3 monotype.
For Marie, this competition represents a unique opportunity to:
- Compete directly with the best sailors in her category
- Validate her technical skills in solo sailing
- Gain experience on varied courses (coastal and offshore)
- Strengthen her credibility in the professional sailing world
At Kereis, we are proud to support Marie in her progression. Her determination and team spirit perfectly embody our values of excellence, agility and boldness.
We wish her fair winds for this new adventure in Les Sables d’Olonne! 💪🏼
About Kereis at sea
“Kereis at sea” represents our commitment to the world of sailing. Through our support of Marie Gendron, we affirm our attachment to the values of performance, innovation and self-transcendence that characterise this demanding sport.
