Arnaud Boissières

Sailors are always looking to take to the open seas, and yet not a day goes by without them mentioning the water where they first sailed. For Arnaud Boissières, it's Arcachon and its famous basin. Funny, friendly, sociable and outgoing, the Arcachonnais is a man of availability and a reminder that you can take sailing seriously without taking yourself too seriously. Immediately adopted into the world of ocean racing and nicknamed "Cali", a half-sweet, half-amused wink, the skipper has all the qualities of a good friend.

Brought up in the school of ocean racing by some of the big names, starting with Yves Parlier and Catherine Chabaud, Arnaud is an attacker at heart and never gives up. In 1999, he was dismasted in the Mini Transat, but managed not only to save his boat after a stopover in France, but also to finish the race. Cali accompanied Olivier de Kersauson on his round-the-world record attempt, before making a name for himself as a solo sailor.Brought up in the school of ocean racing by some of the big names, starting with Yves Parlier and Catherine Chabaud, Arnaud is an attacker at heart and never gives up. In 1999, he was dismasted in the Mini Transat, but managed not only to save his boat after a stopover in France, but also to finish the race. Cali accompanied Olivier de Kersauson on his round-the-world record attempt, before making a name for himself as a solo sailor.

In 2008, at the age of 36, he set off on his first Vendée Globe and finished seventh. Hailed for his human qualities and determination, he surprised everyone with his fine score. And so it was that the man who was little known to the media at the time earned the distinction of Chouchou des Pontons, a tribute to his humour and approachability. With a circumnavigation, six transatlantic races and thousands of miles of training under his belt, he is now one of the most experienced skippers on the circuit.

In 2012, Arnaud finished 8th in the Vendée Globe and repeated the experience in the following editions, in 2016 and 2020, where he finished 10th and 15th respectively. In 2012, Arnaud finished 8th in the Vendée Globe and repeated the experience in the following editions, in 2016 and 2020, where he finished 10th and 15th respectively.

In 2021, he took over the helm of the former Initiatives-Coeur, a VPLP-Verdier design from 2010 fitted with new foils, and took part in all the IMOCA GLOBE SERIES races in order to prepare as well as possible for his fifth solo round the world voyage. He finished 17th in the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe.

In 2023, the skipper from Arcachon will line up in the double-handed races of the season, accompanied by Gerard Veniard.