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
Genesis and Early Successes (2021-2022)
In 2021, Paprec and Crédit Mutuel Arkéa launched an innovative offshore racing project with Yoann Richomme as skipper and Romain Ménard as CEO. This was the first project where two companies acted as both sponsors and owners. The team entrusted the design of a new IMOCA to Antoine Koch, who was relatively unknown at the time. Alongside the construction, the team participated in the 2022 Route du Rhum in the Class40 class to gain experience, ultimately winning the race.
The Founding Year (2023)
The IMOCA was launched in February 2023 with an innovative, fully enclosed cockpit offering a wide field of vision. With Yann Eliès as co-skipper, the boat quickly achieved strong results. The season culminated in a victory in the solo transatlantic race "Retour à la Base," just eleven months after its launch.
The pinnacle (2024)
Yoann wins The Transat CIC with a triumphant arrival in New York, then finishes 2nd in the Vendée Globe after a spectacular comeback. He rounds Cape Horn in the lead and finishes less than 23 hours behind the winner, Charlie Dalin.
The Strength of Teamwork (2025)
With Corentin Horeau as co-skipper, the team is focusing on crewed races. Paprec Arkéa finished 2nd in The Ocean Race Europe and 10th in the Transat Café L’Or after a collision at the start. This year marks the end of the partnership with Crédit Mutuel Arkéa, but the project will continue with Paprec and a new boat.
Overall results: In four years, three transatlantic victories, a 2nd place in the Vendée Globe, and no retirements since 2023.
