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Thibault Fournier (Master in Management – PGE) sets his sights on the Mini Transat 2027, following in the wake of Benjamin Ferré (SKEMA 2015)
Taking a gap year within SKEMA Business School’s Master in Management (PGE), Thibault Fournier is preparing for a rare challenge: lining up at the start of the Mini Transat 2027, a solo Atlantic crossing aboard a sailing yacht. An ambitious project, combining sporting commitment with an entrepreneurial spirit, it also follows in the footsteps of Benjamin Ferré (SKEMA 2015), a former Mini Transat competitor who has since become skipper of the latest Vendée Globe.
The Mini Transat stands apart as a race of its own: a solo Atlantic crossing without external assistance, where skippers sail in demanding conditions, far from any comfort, on a 6.50-metre boat. In 2027, the route will link La Rochelle to Salvador de Bahia in Brazil, crossing the Equator and the Intertropical Convergence Zone, known for its unpredictability.
For this PGE student, the adventure is already taking shape. On a gap-year placement since January, he has joined Bord à Bord, a professional offshore sailing team competing in the Ocean Fifty class and preparing in particular for the Route du Rhum 2026. This immersion allows him to work alongside experienced skippers and learn, day after day, what offshore racing requires.
A project driven by the SKEMA spirit and inspired by Benjamin Ferré…
Passionate about sailing since childhood, Thibault discovered competitive racing in 2019 before joining SKEMA with the aim of building a strong personal project. He is part of the Scale-up track, which supports him in working on budgeting, communication and the search for partners. He also acknowledges the influence of Benjamin Ferré, a leading figure within SKEMA’s alumni network in offshore racing. “He is an example for me,” he says, referring to an inspiring journey from the Mini Transat to the Vendée Globe.
A cause to defend
His adventure also carries a solidarity dimension: Thibault wishes to link his preparation with the association Les Invincibles, which supports the fight against Charcot disease. The cause is deeply personal, as his grandmother is currently affected by the illness.
Qualification, sponsors: the final stretch before the start
Before he can set off, Thibault must complete a demanding qualification: 1,500 nautical miles in races, followed by 1,000 miles solo, as part of a full crossing. His 2026 calendar is set to be intense, with several races scheduled from spring onwards.
The challenge is also financial. The project requires an estimated €80,000 per year over two years, to cover all costs linked to preparation, logistics, competition and partner development.
Know more about the Master in Management (PGE) programme
