“Freediving helps me unwind, especially when I’m sailing solo.”
Charles Caudrelier, 49 years old and winner of the latest Route du Rhum, is a skipper passionate about freediving. At the helm of his maxi-trimaran, the Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, he finds in freediving a means to reconnect and manage the pressure inherent in sailing. Influenced by world champion Arnaud Jerald, Caudrelier has developed a passion for the marine depths, an interest he has cultivated since childhood through Commander Cousteau’s documentaries. His blue suit, a replica of Jacques Mayol’s, is a cherished keepsake he has kept since he was twelve.
A sailor comfortable in the water
Ah yes, that’s quite true! (laugh) I must admit that many skippers are not comfortable in the water. Some even dread diving under their boat during solo races. Although there are exceptions, like Jean-Pierre Dick who loves swimming, many of my peers do not share this ease. As for me, even though I was born in Paris, I’ve always been comfortable in the water. I grew up in the bay of Port-la-Forêt, where I watched champions sail. They were all my inspiration.
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