M Vincent Riou

Vincent Riou is a French sailor best known for winning the 2004–2005 Vendée Globe and for his deep technical expertise in IMOCA design. Born on January 9, 1972, in Pont-l’Abbé, he is one of the few skippers to win the Vendée Globe on his very first attempt. His duel with Jean Le Cam during the 2004 edition became one of the most memorable in the race’s history, with Riou narrowly securing victory after 87 days at sea. He returned in subsequent editions but was forced to abandon due to damage, despite often being a favorite. An engineer and boat preparator before becoming a skipper, Riou is known for his meticulous preparation and optimization work. He also played a key role in assisting Jean Le Cam during a dramatic rescue in 2009 after Le Cam’s boat capsized off Cape Horn. Riou’s legacy is marked by integrity, performance, and technical excellence—hallmarks of a true Vendée Globe champion.