Charlotte Yven knows all the pebbles of the bay of Morlaix and for good reason, it is there that she discovered sailing, on the family boat, but also in an Optimist, before moving on to the Laser and then to the match-race… At 17 years, she won a 420 world vice-champion title in Japan, “an incredible memory”, she then continues with the 470 and an Olympic preparation for the Tokyo Games. Who sounds the end of his journey in dinghy sailing: “When we learned that the 470 passed mixed for the betting gamesI really asked myself the question, it was necessary to leave with a boy, in itself it was not a problem, because the mixed side has always pleased me, but there was also this desire to go offshore.
It must be said that in her teenage bedroom, there were posters of sailing stars, “the greatest was that of Sam Davies on board of Roxy for the Vendee Globebut there was also Michel Desjoyeaux, Armel Le Cleac’h…” In parallel with her engineering studies at Insa, she therefore seized every opportunity to discover the open sea and applied for all possible selections. With success, since the Finistère integrates the Team Vendée Training. “It was a mixed selection, I was the only woman, but that didn’t bother me; whether in studies or in my sport, I have often been surrounded by men.”
Two seasons on the circuit Figaro Beneteau later, Charlotte Yven applies for the selection Macif Skipperfor the first time 100% feminine, which she won in October 2022. “We were six finalists, I had prepared this selection, I had learned about the tests, I had above all worked well on my final oral examination. I was really super happy to be chosen, it’s exactly what I needed to continue my journey, it’s a huge opportunity.
Determined but without being the type to skip the stages, the Morlaisienne does not hide, at 26, having lots of dreams and desires: “The Ocean Racefor example, is a race I would love to take part in, I find the format brilliant… Of course, there is also the Vendée Globe in the back of my mind but before that, I still have a lot to learn.”
At the end of April, alongside Loïs Berrehar, Skipper Macif 2022, she will set off on her first crossing of the Atlantic, the Transat Paprecmoved to mixed doubles. “It’s good that there are quotas, because it’s a virtuous circle that will open more doors for women and allow those who are very talented to express themselves”she comments.
Released on 12 avril 2023
Générique: All the summer girls
Photo: Jean-Baptiste D’Enquin
