Loïck Peyron on eight Routes du Rhum: storm, rescue and victory

Few sailors can talk about the Route du Rhum like Loïck Peyron. In the latest episode of The Foil's Off Diary, he walks Freddie and Andy through all eight of his appearances in the race, including the loss of Fujifilm in 2002 and his record-breaking win aboard Banque Populaire VII in 2014.

It's a long, unhurried conversation with plenty for offshore fans: a trimaran breaking apart in an Atlantic storm, a rescue by a cargo ship, and a candid look at what it takes to handle a giant Ultim alone. Worth settling in for.

Tales from eight Routes du Rhum | Loïck Peyron | Off Diary

What happens when your trimaran breaks apart in an Atlantic storm, and your first instinct is to sleep?

Loïck Peyron joins Freddie and Andy on The Foil Off Diary to tell the extraordinary stories behind his eight Route du Rhum appearances, from his first crossing aged 22 to his record-breaking victory in 2014.

Loïck recounts the destruction of Fujifilm during the 2002 race, his dramatic rescue by a cargo ship, and the unexpected phone call that brought him back to win aboard Banque Populaire VII twelve years later.

Along the way, they explore Éric Tabarly's influence, the emotional reunion with his father at the finish of his first Rhum, and what it takes to manoeuvre a giant Ultim trimaran alone. Loïck also reflects on sailing Happy with a sextant, the value of fear, and why offshore adventure captures imaginations far beyond the sailing world.

Which Loïck story stayed with you? Tell us in the comments.

Video: The Foil