M Christophe Auguin

Christophe Auguin is a French offshore sailing legend renowned for his dominance in solo round-the-world races during the 1990s. Born on February 10, 1959, in Les Sables-d’Olonne—the symbolic departure point of the Vendée Globe—he emerged as one of the most successful solo skippers of his generation. Auguin rose to fame with his victory in the 1996–1997 Vendée Globe, completing the race in 105 days and setting a new record at the time. His performance was marked by consistency, reliability, and a deep understanding of ocean strategy. That victory made him the third winner of the race and solidified his place in the history of solo circumnavigation. His offshore résumé also includes major wins in the BOC Challenge (1990–91) and the Around Alone (1994–95), making him the only sailor to have won all three major solo round-the-world events—a feat unmatched to this day. Known for his cautious yet efficient sailing style, Auguin prioritized boat preparation and weather routing over risky maneuvers. After retiring from professional racing, Christophe Auguin turned to education and advocacy. He became a teacher and mentor, encouraging young sailors to pursue offshore racing with discipline and technical rigor. Though he stepped back from the competitive scene, his name remains deeply tied to the golden era of French solo sailing. His legacy is one of excellence, endurance, and humility—values that continue to inspire sailors navigating the world's most remote and challenging oceans.