Achille !

THE WINNER’S PROFILE

Right to the very end, he believed in his lucky star. Four years after taking over the Class40 yacht Paprec Arkéa, which had won the previous Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe with Yoann Richomme at the helm, Achille Nebout has now claimed victory himself. It had been his main objective for the past four years, his dream and the crowning achievement of his project with Amarris. A victory patiently built over successive seasons and through this thrilling race. Tipped as one of the outsiders, Achille never gave up during a suspense-filled final stretch.

There is something both distinctive and unconventional about Achille Nebout’s journey, which began a long way from Brittany, the heartland of offshore racing. Achille actually grew up on the shores of the Mediterranean, in the Hérault region of southern France. His father, an architect and keen sailor based in La Grande-Motte, enjoyed family sailing trips and friendly races with friends. Among those friends was none other than Kito de Pavant, a familiar face on the docks and a much-loved figure in the sailing world. The Nebout family even travelled to the Caribbean with three-year-old Achille to meet up with Kito and his family.

From the Carnon Sailing Club to the Demands of the Figaro Class

Football and climbing were part of his early years, but sailing was the sport that would stay with him. He joined the Carnon sailing club, although initially almost by default: Achille was suffering from a growth-related heel injury – “quite a joke when your name is Achilles,” he laughs – which led him to favour sailing instead. Before long, it became an all-consuming passion, filling every spare moment: Wednesdays, weekends and school holidays, throughout his secondary school and high school years.

Then came the prestigious engineering school in Lyon, INSA, and, above all, a return to the sea through Olympic sailing and match racing (J70, Diam24 and SB20). Next came the Figaro circuit, where he set out to hone his skills. Achille arrived at just the right time: he joined the class as the Figaro 3 was being introduced and as offshore sailing stars, from Michel Desjoyeaux to Jérémie Beyou, were returning to the circuit.

Learning alongside Xavier Macaire, Achille quickly made his mark. He won a leg of the Solo Maître Coq ahead of Armel Le Cléac’h, earning enthusiastic praise around the docks. But the Figaro circuit is anything but plain sailing. The sailor from the Hérault region finished 37th in his first appearance in 2019 and narrowly missed out on selection for the Macif programme. At the same time, Achille discovered the Class40 and competed in two Transat Jacques Vabre races, alongside Kito de Pavant (7th in 2019) and Luke Berry (5th in 2021).

From Virtual Regatta to the Québec – Saint-Malo Race

These were years when everything seemed to accelerate, despite the fact that he already had more than a decade of competitive sailing experience under his belt. But Achille also enjoys exploring other worlds. He forged close ties with musician and DJ French 79 (Simon Henner) in 2020, as well as with street artist Noto in 2021.

He also tried his hand at Virtual Regatta during the lockdown edition of the 2020–2021 Vendée Globe. Achille finished 72nd overall and was the top certified skipper. This was where he first caught the attention of accounting firm Amarris. The people there appreciated his determination and kindness, and Amarris would go on to become his title sponsor.

Then it was time for the Class40. He took over the highly sought-after yacht previously sailed by Yoann Richomme, Paprec Arkéa, fresh from its victory in the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe. The Lombard-designed boat already knew the way, which was certainly a good thing: the 2026 Route du Rhum was the skipper’s main objective. Achille therefore had four years to learn and develop, supported by a small, dedicated team.

There were difficult moments, of course, such as the dismasting during the 2025 Normandy Channel Race – a heartbreaking experience and undoubtedly one of the toughest moments he has faced at sea.

But there were also magical moments, such as the remarkable 2024 season, when almost nothing could stand in his way. That summer, alongside Gildas Mahé and Alan Roberts, Achille set off on the Québec – Saint-Malo race. After sailing up the St. Lawrence River and crossing the Atlantic, the starboard rudder broke just one week before the finish. The trio decided to sail the remaining distance on port tack and ultimately claimed victory after a nail-biting finish.

Just a few months later, sailing with Gildas Mahé, he won the Med Max Occitanie Saïdia Resorts, crossing the finish line in spectacular fashion at sunrise off the Moroccan coast.

The skipper has matured, and so has the man. He has become a father and now combines this new role with his passion and dedication to offshore racing. He has gained experience, confidence in himself and his boat, as well as a greater sense of calm and composure.

In Saint-Malo, Achille spoke like an old sea dog who had seen it all. He embraced the outsider label, knowing that at sea, actions always speak louder than words.

Achille knew how to bide his time, work his way into the leading group by navigating around the tropical depression, and withstand damage and the twists of fate. Above all, he knew how to keep believing in his lucky star.

And it was all worth it: he now takes his place in the Route du Rhum record books in the Class40 category, alongside Phil Sharp (2006), Thomas Ruyant (2010), Alex Pella (2014) and Yoann Richomme (2018 and 2022).

Hats off to you, champion!