Guillemot awarded

Transat Jacques Vabre winner presented with the medal of Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite

At Paris Boat Show Marc Guillemot, skipper of the IMOCA 60 Safran was last week was presented with the medal of Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite (the National Order of Merit), the step below, the Legion d'Honneur, as was last presented to Ellen MacArthur by President Sarkozy in March last year.

Guillemot was presented by the medal by Jean-Paul Herteman, President of Safran, for achievement throughout his career but especially for its exploits during the Vendée Globe 2008-2009. In this race Guillemot stood by fellow competitor Yann Eliès who had broken his leg while racing to the south of Australia. Despite this Safran went on to finish the Vendee Globe in third position despite mast problems and a lack of keel.

"During the Vendée Globe, Marc showed great humanity to help Yann Eliès. It was determination that enabled him to overcome all the challenges, both human and technical," said Herteman.

Since then Guillemot, with Charles Caudrelier Benac, has of course recently won the Transat Jacques Vabre between Le Havre and Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. Winning this event also made Guillemot the 2009 IMOCA World Champion.