Violette Dorange, a rising star in sailing, recently finished 25th in her first Vendée Globe, completing a 90-day voyage. She has partnered with Initiatives-Cœur and will co-skipper with her idol, Samantha Davies, enhancing her skills in offshore racing. Excited for their collaboration, Violette shared her admiration for Samantha, who praises Violette’s achievements. Their season highlights include competing in the upcoming Transat Café L’Or, emphasizing mentorship and a bright future for both sailors.
Violette Dorange’s Journey to Stardom
Violette Dorange has captured the admiration of sailing enthusiasts everywhere. After completing her remarkable voyage and finishing 25th at Les Sables-d’Olonne on February 9, a journey that took 90 days, she continues to inspire. This young talent, who made waves during the last Vendée Globe, has officially teamed up with Initiatives-Cœur, a groundbreaking mission-driven sponsorship organization that has positively impacted the lives of over 500 children since its inception in 2012 through the Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque association.
A Dream Collaboration with Samantha Davies
In an exciting announcement from Initiatives-Cœur, it was revealed that Violette will be joining forces with the esteemed Samantha Davies as co-skipper on the Initiatives-Cœur sailboat. The partnership is particularly special as they will compete in pairs this season, providing Violette with a unique opportunity to further her skills alongside her long-time idol, Sam Davies, a revered figure in offshore racing.
“Samantha has been my idol since childhood. Joining Initiatives-Cœur feels like a dream come true,” Violette exclaimed. The popularity of this young sailor has skyrocketed, boasting over a million followers on social media. In 2025, she will be part of her first crewed and double-handed races on a cutting-edge foiling monohull that was launched in 2022 and has already been tested by the seasoned sailor, Samantha Davies.
“I’m thrilled to take the helm of this competitive vessel. Sailing with Sam and learning from her vast experience is simply incredible. I have immense admiration for her and can’t wait to dive into this journey,” she shared enthusiastically. Violette’s journey in sailing began at the tender age of 7, when she had Samantha sign her t-shirt during the 2008 Vendée Globe, where Samantha finished 4th and won the hearts of many.
Seventeen years later, they are set to navigate the seas together. Samantha expressed her admiration for Violette, stating, “I have great respect for her. What she accomplished in her first Vendée Globe is remarkable. I’m eager to share my experiences and support her growth as a sailor.” This collaboration signifies not only a mentorship but also a promising future for both skippers.
The highlight of their season will be the upcoming Transat Café L’Or, previously known as Transat Jacques Vabre. This key event is scheduled for departure on October 26, 2025, from Le Havre, heading towards Martinique.
“We are diving into the Transat with full determination. I hope to help Violette progress while also learning from her,” said Samantha, who is currently evaluating her future sailing plans. Although her contract concludes at the end of the year, she is optimistic about passing the torch and nurturing the next generation of talented sailors like Violette Dorange.