Yannick, the winner of an exemplary solo round-the-world race without any stopovers or any assistance, completed his circumnavigation in 80 days, 03 hours, 44 minutes and 46 seconds.

Yannick is a loyal and habitual visitor to the La Rochelle international in-water boat show. An essential event in the water sports calendar which he has attended as a competitor, as an exhibitor with his company Watt&Sea, and also as someone who loves the sea, boats and great stories.

Yannick Bestaven, the patron of the Grand Pavois La Rochelle 2021: « Le Grand Pavois? We were born practically at the same time. The event in 73 and me in 72. It has been part of my world for a long time. The Grand Pavois has a special place in my mind since its organisers were also the coordinators of the Mini Transat I won in 2001. Such wonderful memories with the entire team! Today, when you hear about the Grand Pavois, you think about one of the largest boat shows in the world, the one that marks the start of the year after the holidays. A professional team at the service of water sport professionals and all that based in La Rochelle. It attracts people from all over the world, both foreign and local exhibitors. It offers new encounters and new business. It is a vector of dynamism. I am extremely honoured to be the patron this year and wish the 2021 edition every success. »

A look back…

In competitive terms, Yannick has a packed list of ocean-racing prizes with victories in Imoca 60, including the 2020/21 Vendée Globe, Mini 6.50 with La Transat 6.50 Charente-Maritime/Bahia 2001 (editor’s note, Mini Transat), not to mention a double victory in the Transat Jacques Vabre in Class40 in 2011 and 2015.

Remember that at the start of his 2008 Vendée Globe, which sadly ended prematurely, on the former « Aquitaine Innovations » owned by his friend Yves Parlier, Yannick took up the challenge of using only renewable energies (sun, wind, water, etc..) to produce the electricity needed for the vessel’s proper functioning. It was a first that led to the creation of the company Watt&Sea in 2009 and the concept of the hydro-generator which Yannick and Matthieu Michou designed, manufactured and marketed. The aim was to enable racing and leisure boats to supply their own electricity to meet their on-board energy needs. A feat he succeeded since Watt&Sea hydro-generators have revolutionised electricity management, minimising dependency on combustion engines. A true revolution for long-distance yachts and racing boats!

2001, a look back at a long history with Grand Pavois Organisation!

A look back… 2001 will remain a memorable year in more respects than one for Yannick and Grand Pavois Organisation. Thar GPO (editor’s note, for Grand Pavois Organisation) organised its at first edition of La Transat 6.50 Charente-Maritime/Bahia (namely the Mini Transat, the first one to depart from La Rochelle on its way to Brazil via Puerto Calero in the Canary Islands), Yannick built his Mini 6.50 prototype with his own hands, the same as Arnaud Boissières who also built his one alongside him. Both of them set sail on their prototypes flying the colours of « Aquarelle.com », both built according to Magnen-Nivelt plans. At the helm of the Mini 6.50 number 304, Yannick completed the route in 30 days, 00 hours and 23 minutes, winning the two stages and also the first edition of this Transat 6.50 Charente-Maritime/Bahia organised by GPO. Alongside him, Arnaud came 3rd at the helm of number 303. For the record, the name of Yannick’s Mini 6.50 was Satanas, while Arnaud’s was Diabolo… What a surprise!