She was the first woman to complete the Vendée Globe in 1996. Today, the sailor has just been appointed president of the Yacht Club de France.
Twenty-nine years ago, Catherine Chabaud became the first woman to sail solo, non-stop, and without assistance around the world. In 2000, she completed her second Vendée Globe. Over her career, she also crossed the Atlantic 15 times, including four solo crossings. Since retiring from professional sailing in 2002, she continues to sail recreationally, either in teams or as a duo.
As of May 21, she is also the first woman to be appointed President of the Yacht Club de France. She succeeds Philippe Héral, who held the position since 2018, and admits to feeling “a bit overwhelmed” to be leading this historic institution that unites sea enthusiasts and sailing practitioners. Her goal: “To promote pleasure boating” and to fulfill the missions that come with the club’s official public interest recognition, helping guide its continued development.
Strengthening international ties
Catherine Chabaud joined the club in 1997. Today, her aim is to “strengthen ties with foreign clubs in order to enhance the image and international influence of the Yacht Club de France.” “A closer dialogue with yachting institutions and the broader maritime world will help amplify the voice of sailors and promote the Club’s reputation,” noted the Yacht Club de France in an official statement.
One of the first races Chabaud participated in was the Edhec Sailing Cup, while she was studying Applied Mathematics at Dauphine. However, she eventually shifted to journalism. A graduate of the Institut Pratique de Journalisme in 1983, she worked with several radio stations and print publications such as Revue Thalassa, RFM, Europe 2, and Mer & Bateaux. She also helped create the Quotidien de la Nioulargue in 1987 before hosting L’Aventure on Europe 1 from 2002 to 2005, followed by environmental and sustainable development segments from 2005 to 2007.
A committed career
Long dedicated to ocean protection, Chabaud co-founded the Ocean & Climate Platform and launched an initiative to have the “Ocean recognized as a common good of humanity.” She was also involved in the Grenelle de la Mer, and after a mission on Nautical Activities and Sustainable Development, she joined France’s Economic, Social and Environmental Council in 2010. She later served as Delegate for the Sea and the Coast within the Ministry of Environment, Energy, and the Sea. In 2019, she was elected to the European Parliament, where she has advocated for all maritime issues and promoted a European Pact for the Ocean.
A member of the French Navy’s Citizen Reserve, Chabaud brings a multidisciplinary approach to sailing. She has served on the boards of the National Maritime Museum, the French Sailing Federation, the National Sea Rescue Society (SNSM), and the Agency for Marine Protected Areas. Since autumn 2024, she has been a member of the Marine Academy (Merchant Marine, Fisheries, and Pleasure Boating section) and serves as Vice-President of the French Institute of the Sea.
