Thomas Ruyant

FOR PEOPLE

In the early 2000s, he became enthusiastic about competitive sailing aboard single-handed dinghies, the Laser, then the First Class 8. Finally in Mumm 30, he discovers the open sea notably with the crews of the Défi Jean Bart and Courrier Dunkerque. 
 
A stroke of luck, a master stroke! 

One day in 2005 - Thomas has just finished his STAPS studies - he discovers on a parking lot, in Dunkerque, a mini 6.50 that he can buy. He renovated it and took the plunge. In 2007, he participates in the Mini Transat, his first great solo experience that will convince him to continue. 

In 2009, he won the Transat 6.50 between La Rochelle and Salvador de Bahia in Brazil. His prototype carries the colors of Faber France and the Urban Community of Dunkirk. In 2010, he won the Route du Rhum in the Class 40 category after a fantastic Atlantic crossing. This victory concludes a sporting season in which he won all the competitions of the circuit. Eager to perfect his learning of solo ocean racing, the northerner followed up with three seasons in the Solitaire du Figaro.

The Vendée Globe.

In 2015, he is called by the association Le Souffle du Nord to compete in the Vendée Globe 2016 - 2017. In his first race in a 60-foot monohull, in the Transat Jacques Vabre, Thomas finished, with his friend Adrien Hardy, in a fine fourth place. He then set off on his first round-the-world race with the ambition to be competitive and to carry the message of the NGO Project Imagine, which promotes everyday heroes. His performance in the Vendée Globe is remarkable. Thomas is playing with the best in the sport. Unfortunately, his momentum was cut off off New Zealand, the blue and yellow IMOCA boat literally broke up. He did not abandon his boat and lived through two days of anguish, with his engine idling, his hand on the alarm button, before reaching the coastline, but we still don't know how!
 
Since this abandonment, Thomas Ruyant has done everything possible to take the start of the Vendée Globe 2020 in high performance conditions, which is now in his hands. This goal was achieved for the Dunkerque sailor, who slipped into 5th place in the ranking. He will have spent two-thirds of the race in the leading trio and will have shown exceptional fighting spirit during his 80 days of racing.