PhD in physics who switched to offshore racing in 2019, aiming for the Route du Rhum 2026
Sasha Lanièce is an engineer by training, PhD in physics from École normale supérieure, and data scientist. She discovered offshore racing in 2019 with no prior experience of the open sea. Six years later, she is skippering the Class 40 Alderan (no. 186) and preparing for the Route du Rhum 2026. She founded Les Déferlantes Sailing Team, the first 100% women’s offshore racing project structured around two classes (Class 40 and Mini 6.50).
From scientific research to Class 40
Sasha’s path is not the typical one of a pro skipper. Trained at École Normale Supérieure, PhD in physics, then data science: her encounter with the open sea came late, in 2019. She transitioned from Mini 6.50 to Class 40 in less than five years, skipping the Figaro circuit. This short trajectory is reflected in her approach to the boat: analytical mindset, extensive preparation, and deliberate routing choices defended during racing.
Mini Transat 2023 and 24-hour record
In the second leg of the Mini Transat 2023 (Series category), Sasha took a bold option in the trade winds and covered 294 nautical miles in 24 hours — earning her, at the time, the category record. The record was reclaimed a few days later by a competitor following the same trajectory. She finished the transatlantic race 28th overall in 26 days, 22 hours, and 11 minutes. The move to Class 40 followed 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 veteran of the Ocean Race. The duo finished 18th in Class 40. The Les Déferlantes Sailing Team project is built on this principle: maintaining a structured, long-term offshore racing program with pro skippers — not a one-off effort. Title sponsor Alderan (real estate management) committed for three years, with a planned program of 20 races and 4 transatlantic races over that 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 (reclaimed a few days later).
- 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.
