Louis Duc and Masa Suzuki, the Norman-Japanese duo aboard the Imoca Fives Group – Lantana Environnement, completed their Transat Café l’Or Le Havre Normandie race this Wednesday morning at 9:11:59 AM, after 16 days and 18 hours of racing, finishing in 14th place overall and 2nd among the boats with daggerboards. From a sporting perspective, they couldn't have achieved a better result, and on a personal level, these two sailors discovered, appreciated, and respected each other over the miles, sharing with humor and sincerity admirable values of openness, which added another dimension to this successful sporting challenge.
These solid foundations will serve as the basis for their respective Vendée Globe 2028 projects: stay tuned!
Mission accomplished for this transatlantic crossing: the last for Louis Duc aboard the boat he rebuilt and optimized over four years, and the very first for Masa Suzuki, who was discovering the IMOCA class in preparation for the 2028 Vendée Globe, which he is expected to contest at the helm of this 2006 Farr design.
This duo achieved the best possible result given the performance potential of this IMOCA with daggerboards. Masa took charge of the boat, and they delighted us with their values of sharing, listening, and kindness, all delivered with humor: values that resonate with everyone.
A 14th place etched in stone
A quick aside before handing the floor to the sailors: this was the 3rd Route du Café in Imoca for the Fives Group – Lantana Environnement skipper and his 3rd place in 14th overall and 2nd boat with daggerboards! The first, in 2021 with Marie Tabarly, the 2nd in 2023 with Remi Aubrun, and three times aboard this 60-footer no. 172.
I prefer depressions!
Louis Duc, skipper of Fives Group – Lantana Environnement: “It was a great race, with an interesting weather scenario, even if the mandatory passage through the Canary Islands somewhat hampered the strategic game. It’s quite rare that I find myself sailing in the trade winds (it was my 25th transatlantic race and I haven’t done many in the trade winds!). I admit it’s not my favorite. I much prefer navigating depressions on a northern route (laughs)!”
These trade winds are a bit monotonous.
Louis Duc: “Ten days in the trade winds is great because the weather is glorious, 20 knots of wind, a squall now and then, not too hot (that’s important for a Norman! And Masa had little fans to cool us down if needed!). But, honestly, it’s a bit monotonous. And there wasn’t much competition around us. We know Café Joyeux is faster than us as soon as we’re sailing at higher speeds. And they sailed very well. This boat remains the benchmark IMOCA with daggerboards, even if we’re not far behind in terms of performance. And, behind us, they were quite far back.”
Playing with weather systems; that's what I love!
Louis Duc: “On the other hand, the start of the race in the low-pressure systems in the English Channel and the ridge in the Bay of Biscay: that was interesting. We were comfortable battling with Café Joyeux: that’s what I love! Having a weather change every 48 hours, constantly adapting your strategy, it’s stimulating.”
And, what's more, he does the cleaning!
Louis Duc: “I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again: Masa is an excellent competitor. He’s sailed at a high level in dinghies, he’s done transatlantic crossings in Minis and Class40s, a round-the-world race… He’s a quick learner. He listens, observes to understand the logic of things. And then he does it his own way. He’s methodical, logical, and progresses quickly. And he’s also a pleasure to be around: he’s positive, he has a sense of humor. He’s a good friend and, on top of that, he does the housework!”
The transmission will continue on land
Louis Duc: “The handover isn’t finished. After the return transatlantic crossing, we’ll carry out the post-transatlantic refit. Masa will be there to observe and participate. Then, as long as he needs a hand, we’ll be there. We’re not in a commercial relationship, but rather focused on handover to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible for everyone.”
Next, my obsession will be the Route du Rhum at the helm of a foiler
Louis Duc: “Before thinking about another boat, we’re going to finish this one’s story properly. After that, we’ll bring together the people involved in this project and fight to be at the helm of a foiler in the Route du Rhum, in order to start the qualifications for the 2028 Vendée Globe. Once number 172 is delivered, it will be my obsession.”
The overall result is extremely positive.
Masa Suzuki: “It was my first transatlantic race in an IMOCA, and I felt quite a bit of pressure at the start because I had never sailed with Louis, never in an IMOCA, and my Vendée Globe project depended on the success of this race. But after just a few days of racing with Louis, I felt very comfortable. The pressure eased, and I was able to start enjoying the competition and continue learning. The overall experience is extremely positive: I learned a tremendous amount alongside Louis; he is an excellent teacher, and we shared a lot. On a personal level, it was also very enriching. I am very lucky.”
This boat is the best compromise for my Vendée Globe project
Masa Suzuki: “I’ve been able to observe the performance differences between different IMOCAs. And I remain convinced that this boat is, for me, the best compromise between performance, price, and technology. Firstly, because I don’t have a large budget, and secondly, because my goal for this first Vendée Globe is to put together a solid program, to successfully complete the race. A boat with daggerboards is therefore ideal for that… and we’ll see later if there will be another Vendée Globe on a foiling IMOCA! (laughs)”
The best of teachers
Masa Suzuki: “Louis was the best teacher I could have dreamed of for getting to grips with the boat. And he also proved to be a true partner. We talked a lot during the race about our respective backgrounds. We will continue to work together on our respective Vendée Globe projects…”
And that’s how, through their commitment, openness, and mutual understanding, the Fives Group – Lantana Environnement duo transformed a commercial transaction into a genuine collaboration marked by respect and mutual understanding. Inspiring.
A respectuous and circular sporting event
The Fives IMOCA is an "upcycled" boat. Thanks to Louis, it lives a 2nd life!
Louis and his team gave a new life to a very damaged IMOCA because of a fire. This refurbishment undertaking was a real technical challenge... that succeeded in only 10 months!
Louis and his team continue to apply this upcycling principle and optimization research with a constant effort on sobriety throughout this Vendée Globe program.
Louis is also very keen on respecting everyone's work and giving a chance.
The Fives Group, a major partner in this Vendée Globe program, has been seduced by such commitment and values, as it shares the same values and responsibilities.
Fives, your partner for a more virtuous industry
For over 200 years, the Group has designed the breakthrough solutions and technologies that make industry what it is. From the first railways to the Eiffel Tower, through the spatial conquest, Fives always spearheaded the industry of the future. Pioneering decarbonization, the Group is an unconditional partner of the industry's energy transition. Through digitization, the promotion of a circular economy and the development of new processes and new energy sources, Fives puts its technological leadership to its customers' service.
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