The Crédit Mutuel Arkéa group's commitment to sailing began 20 years ago.
Crédit Mutuel de Bretagne has successfully been present on the Figaro and Class 40 circuits. Building on this success, Crédit Mutuel Arkéa, in partnership with the Paprec group, reached a new milestone in 2019 by joining the IMOCA circuit and taking on the Vendée Globe challenge.
Why Sailing at Arkéa?
Sailing embodies the maritime identity of Crédit Mutuel Arkéa. By supporting this innovative and demanding sport, the group demonstrates its values of excellence and performance while strengthening its local presence along the Atlantic coast.
Sailing conveys values shared by the group: innovation, solidarity, achievement, and the desire to perform. It is also a committed sport that addresses the challenges of environmental transitions, a strong commitment of Crédit Mutuel Arkéa.
Since 2021, Crédit Mutuel Arkéa has structured its maritime division to gain visibility and enhance its expertise. Today, the group supports more than 1,600 businesses in this sector, with over €190 million in outstanding loans. Offshore racing is one of the eight sub-sectors supported.
Supporting offshore racing, beyond the sporting thrills and human adventures it highlights, also means financing the real economy and the Sailing Valley, which brings together an ecosystem of innovations contributing to the decarbonization of maritime transport.
The similarities between sailing and the professions of Crédit Mutuel Arkéa are numerous, particularly in risk management, which is as relevant to bankers as it is to sailors, taking into account external uncertainties.
Events and major races, such as the Vendée Globe or the Arkéa Ultim Challenge - Brest, are significant moments for the public that become true celebrations, showcasing the expertise and know-how of Crédit Mutuel Arkéa's territories - Brittany and the South-West.
Yoann Richomme
Imagining New Paths to Bring Dreams to Life
With Paprec, Crédit Mutuel Arkéa embarks on its second Vendée Globe campaign. Beyond the sport, the group supports an entrepreneurial project led by a team rich in talent. Crédit Mutuel Arkéa has chosen to establish this partnership for the long term, resonating with its banking profession—a partnership built and nurtured by trust, giving time for talents to express themselves.
Offshore racing embodies strong values: daily commitment, perseverance, humility combined with boldness, solidarity, and technological innovation. Each boat is a prototype, each challenge an opportunity. With the Vendée Globe 2024 project, Crédit Mutuel Arkéa continues to write a story in harmony with its values. It is a great pride for all the group's employees and directors to share this adventure and see their colors sailing the seas.
Crédit Mutuel Arkéa has chosen to adopt an industrial approach, co-constructing this new project with Paprec and basing this endeavor on trust, humility, and a sense of teamwork. This unique model, with its own dedicated structure committed to the long term, has allowed the group and Paprec to build a talented team around its skipper, Yoann Richomme. Together, Arkéa and Paprec are building an ambitious project at the highest level of offshore racing, shared with employees, customers, and partners.
