Éric Tabarly

Éric Tabarly (July 24, 1931 in Nantes – June 14, 1998) was a notable French yachtsman.

A former officer in the French navy who is often considered the father of French yachting.

Tabarly was a record-setting distance sailor who won several notable races aboard his boats, all named Pen Duick. His achievements inspired many French sailors, including Alain Colas, Olivier de Kersauson, Gérard Petitpas, Éric Loizeau, Marc Pajot, Daniel Gilard, Titouan Lamazou, Philippe Poupon, Michel Desjoyeaux, Jean Le Cam to compete in long distance solo sailing.

He was lost at sea when struck by a gaff during heavy swell and knocked overboard from his yacht near Wales while on his way to the Fife Regatta in Scotland. His body was recovered five weeks later off the coast of Ireland by a French fishing trawler.

Tabarly was a two-time champion of the OSTAR, winning in 1964 — for which he was awarded the Légion d'honneur — and 1976. He also competed twice in the Whitbread Round the World Race, finishing second in 1973 and seventh in 1993.

Career Wins

(PD): Pen Duick; (PR): Paul Ricard; (CO): Côte d'Or; (AI): Aquitaine Innovation

• Record crossing of the Atlantic from West to East(New York-Cap Lizard), on a multihull (previous record 1905, Charlie Barr on a 50 crewmen schooner) in 1980 (10 days 5 hours 14 minutes 20 secondes) (PR)
• OSTAR (Portsmouth-Newport) : 1964 (PD II) and 1976 (PD VI)
• Morgan Cup : 1967 (PD III)
• Round Gotland Race : 1967 (PD III)
• Channel Race :......
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