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 racing skippers from the 1990s to 2010s. Starting with the Figaro circuit, he progressed to ORMA 60s and then IMOCAs. It was he who approachedSafran in late 2005 to pilot their IMOCA campaign — a collaboration that would lastseven years, until his retirement from competitive sailing.
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 finished3rd behind Michel Desjoyeaux and Armel Le Cléac’h. However, this edition is best remembered for the rescue ofYann 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 Knight of the National Order of Merit for this intervention.
2009 IMOCA World Champion, double TJV winner with Caudrelier
Following his return from the Vendée Globe, the 2009 season brought him theIMOCA World Championship title and aTransat Jacques-Vabre victory with Charles Caudrelier on Safran. The duo would go on to secure several other podiums in the same decade.
Vendée Globe 2012: retirement within hours due to keel loss
The next Vendée Globe (2012-2013) ended abruptly: just 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 headsSailing Organisation Guillemot (SOG), his offshore racing team. He remains active in the French sailing scene, focusing on mentoring young skippers (e.g., the ‘Duo Mixte’ project launched in 2019).
Skysat on board
Skysat has worked on the IMOCASafran (2007-2014) and on the catamaranMG5 that Guillemot sails for cruising.
Career highlights
- 2009 IMOCA World Champion.
- 2008-2009 Vendée Globe — 3rd place onSafran, after diverting to rescue Yann Eliès in the Southern Ocean.
- 2009 Transat Jacques-Vabre — winner with Charles Caudrelier onSafran (15 days, 19 hours, 22 minutes).
- 2012-2013 Vendée Globe — retired within hours of the start (keel loss onSafran).
- Route du Rhum — 6 participations between 1998 and 2022.
- Knight of the National Order of Merit (December 11, 2009, for his intervention on behalf of Yann Eliès).
