Meeting with Alexis Loison, the Cherbourg navigator, multi-awarded, whose character trait, recognized in the industry, is to be a determined sailor who never gives up.

After a turbulent 2020 to say the least, what are your plans for 2021?

One of the important events of 2021 will consist of training the future Normandy Region skipper 2022 – 2023. The “Young Norman Talent” operation makes it possible to select the one who will take up the torch. A great challenge, for the selected talent and for me, since it involves the notion of transmission. 

And in terms of competition?

Solitaire du Figaro, 52e of the name, the Rolex Fastnet Race of course, and many other regattas I hope…

You say you are delighted by this arrival of the Rolex Fastnet Race planned for Cherbourg-en-Cotentin…

It's a race of my heart, one in which I achieved incredible results alongside my father. This competition has often brought me luck, I would really like to experience it as a winner in 2021, in my city.

Exactly, what would you like to say about Cherbourg-en-Cotentin in particular and about Cotentin in general?

The sea is the first thing I see outside when I get up. She is the one who will liven up and give rhythm to my day. Cherbourg is an opening onto the ocean, oriented towards it. For a sailor, the Channel Sea is one of the most educational in the world. We can be surprised all the time, going from radiant sunshine to a storm, a sudden mist, a strong gust of wind. Paul Vatine says it and he is not the only one: “When you know how to navigate the Channel, you can navigate anywhere”. The passage of the Raz Blanchard and its strongest currents in Europe are unforgiving…

Alexis Loison, apart from sailing, do you like to practice other sports?

I like hiking, in the dunes, in the forest. I also practice mountain biking. We prepare our outings with my group of friends and there are so many paths and roads in the Channel that the routes are never the same.

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