Seven years with Safran (2005-2014), the rescue of Eliès and beyond
Marc Guillemot, born on June 25, 1959 in Quimper, is one of France’s leading offshore racers from the 1990s to 2010. A graduate of the Figaro circuit, he progressed through ORMA 60s and then IMOCAs. It was he who approached Safran in late 2005 to pilot their IMOCA campaign — a partnership that would last seven years, until his retirement from competition.
Vendée Globe 2008–2009: 3rd place and the rescue of Yann Eliès
The 2008–2009 Vendée Globe marked the peak of the partnership with Safran. Guillemot finished 3rd behind Michel Desjoyeaux and Armel Le Cléac’h. But the race is chiefly remembered for the rescue of Yann Eliès in the Southern Ocean: Guillemot diverted to assist his injured competitor (broken femur) until the arrival of the Australian frigate. On December 11, 2009, he was awarded the title of Chevalier of the Ordre national du Mérite for this intervention.
2009 IMOCA World Champion, double TJV winner with Caudrelier
Fresh from the Vendée Globe, the 2009 season brought him the IMOCA World Championship title and a Transat Jacques-Vabre victory with Charles Caudrelier aboard Safran. The duo would go on to secure several other podiums in the same decade.
Vendée Globe 2012: retirement within hours after keel loss
The next Vendée Globe (2012–2013) ended abruptly: hours after the start from Les Sables-d’Olonne, Safran lost its titanium keel. Guillemot made his way back to shore under his own power. It remains one of the earliest retirements in Vendée Globe history.
Today: Sailing Organisation Guillemot
Marc Guillemot now heads Sailing Organisation Guillemot (SOG), his offshore racing organization. He remains active in the French sailing scene, notably through youth development initiatives (the “Duo Mixte” program launched in 2019).
Skysat on board
Skysat worked on the IMOCA Safran (2007–2014) and on the cruising catamaran MG5 that Guillemot sailed.
Career highlights
- 2009 IMOCA World Champion.
- 2008–2009 Vendée Globe — 3rd place aboard Safran, after diverting to rescue Yann Eliès in the Southern Ocean.
- 2009 Transat Jacques-Vabre — winner with Charles Caudrelier on Safran (15 days 19 hours 22 minutes).
- 2012–2013 Vendée Globe — retired hours after the start (keel loss aboard Safran).
- Route du Rhum — 6 participations between 1998 and 2022.
- Chevalier of the Ordre national du Mérite (December 11, 2009, for his intervention on behalf of Yann Eliès).
