Leyton x Magenta project, on the march for diversity

On November 18, 1990, Florence Arthaud, aged 33, became the first woman to win the Route du Rhum aboard her golden trimaran Pierre 1.^er. From then on, “the little bride of the Atlantic”, as she was nicknamed, entered the history of offshore racing through the front door. Since then, only a handful have overcome barriers to gain their first experience in this discipline. Because even if sailing is one of the only sports where women and men meet on the same starting line, Sam Goodchild believes that it would be wise to consider this sporting universe without gender distinction. “I know how complicated it is to break through, especially in offshore multihull racing, he argues. After having fought to find my place and now that I am at the head of my project with a partner for whom diversity within the teams is a key to success and a strong commitment, we want to offer this chance to women.

Committed to sailing since 2018, the Leyton group projects itself beyond sporting ambition by using the Ocean Fifty as a standard bearer to resonate its approach in favor of inclusion. In 2021, they joined forces with Magenta Project to create a series of training courses during four sessions in the Atlantic, the Mediterranean and the North Sea, exclusively for women. Unprecedented experiences which have already allowed some to join the crews of the Pro Sailing Tour, a racing circuit dedicated to these exceptional multihulls. This is particularly the case of Mathilde Géron, silver medalist in 470 at the 2012 World Championships, who took part in several sailings last year in Marseille, Belgium and Great Britain, only three months after giving birth. . “Sam gave me the opportunity to discover this medium that I did not know. I found it incredible, marvels the bubbly young woman of 36, who cut her teeth in dinghy sailing. And to add, I’m not necessarily comfortable calling the skippers and offering my services.” Her first experiences in Ocean Fifty with Sam made her eligible for a place as a sailor within a team. Mathilde has indeed joined the Koesio team of Erwan Le Roux, both skipper and President of the Ocean Fifty class, for the second season of the Pro Sailing Tour. And all without having to pick up the phone. “Connections are essential, explains Caroline Villecroze, director of the Leyton Sailing Team and marketing, communication and CSR director of the consulting group. Quite quickly, we realize that the problem is similar to that of the world of work. Ultimately, sailing is nothing but a reflection of society.

A perfect support for deconstructing stereotypes

Still, the sailors are unanimous, copying men seems to have no interest. Especially since most of the time, their tactics differ, “perhaps to compensate for our lack of strength”, justify some of them. Physical strength is certainly an important element, but other positions require above all rigor in one’s observations, with excellent communication as a figurehead. “Women don’t necessarily dare to ask questions when they are in doubt,” says Mariana Lobato, number 1 on board Leyton. However, it absolutely must be done. Its very important. I manage to find my place in this masculine universe, but when I don’t know, I ask for help.” On board, the Portuguese Mariana Lobato, world champion in match racing, does not have to be ashamed of her skills against her teammates. Seeing her evolve on this 15-meter-long trimaran with so much agility and ease makes it clear that the Ocean Fifty is a perfect medium for deconstructing stereotypes.

Leyton demonstrated how diversity drives performance by winning the first season of the Pro Sailing Tour. A spotlight that may in the future make a sponsor want to bet on a woman. And thus redistribute the offshore racing cards.