PhD in physics who switched to offshore racing in 2019, targeting the Route du Rhum 2026
Sasha Lanièce is an engineer by training, holds a PhD in physics from École normale supérieure, and is a data scientist. She discovered offshore racing in 2019 with no prior offshore experience.Alderan (no. 186) and is preparing for the Route du Rhum 2026. She founded Les Déferlantes Sailing Team, the first 100% women-led offshore racing project structured across two classes (Class 40 and Mini 6.50).
From scientific research to Class 40
Sasha’s background is not the typical one of a professional skipper. Trained at École Normale Supérieure, with a PhD in physics and a career in data science, her encounter with the ocean came late, in 2019. In less than five years, she moved from the Mini 6.50 to the Class 40 without competing in the Figaro circuit. This rapid trajectory is reflected in her approach to sailing: analytical mindset, extensive preparation, and a clear, defended routing strategy.
Mini Transat 2023 and 24-hour record
In the second leg of the Mini Transat 2023 (series category), Sasha chose a bold route in the trade winds and covered 294 nautical miles in 24 hours — earning her, at the time, the class record. The record was later reclaimed by a competitor following the same trajectory. She finished the transatlantic race 28th overall in 26 days, 22 hours, and 11 minutes. She transitioned to the Class 40 in 2024.
The partnership with Sanni Beucke and the Les Déferlantes project
For the Transat Café L'Or 2025, Sasha teamed up with Sanni Beucke, a German skipper, Olympic silver medalist in the 49erFX at Tokyo, and former Ocean Race competitor. The duo finished 18th in Class 40. The Les Déferlantes Sailing Team project is built around this concept: maintaining a structured, long-term offshore racing program with professional female skippers — not a one-off campaign. Title sponsor Alderan (real estate management) signed on for three years, with an announced program of 20 races and 4 transatlantic races over the period.
Achievements
- Mini Transat 2023 (solo, series, La Boulangère) — 28th overall in 26 days, 22 hours, and 11 minutes. Temporary 24-hour record in Mini-series during the second leg with 294 nautical miles covered (later reclaimed).
- Armen Race Uship 2025 (Class 40 Alderan) — 4th place.
- Les Sables – Horta – Les Sables 2025 (Class 40 Alderan) — 13th overall.
- Transat Café L'Or 2025 (Class 40 Alderan, double-handed with Sanni Beucke) — 18th place.
- Preparation for the Route du Rhum 2026 (Class 40 Alderan, solo).
Links: sashalaniece.com · Instagram @sasha.laniece · LinkedIn.
