Not everyone had shown understanding for the fact that she, like her husband, also started the race. The idea of which parent is allowed to leave the child for the time of a circumnavigation of the world is still outdated, even in sailing.

The organisers need to put their foot down

The Vendée Globe organisation is apparently content to „feel sorry for me but can’t do anything about it“, reports Clarisse Crémer. Yet it is the organisation that writes the rules. Four years ago, Crémer would have been automatically selected for 2024 because she was a finisher in the previous race.

In addition, 13 new boats, a third of the fleet, had benefited from an exemption to be automatically selected for the next Vendée Globe as an innovation promotion.

The avid sailor wants a fair race © Clarisse Cremer / Banque Populaire

„The rules of a competition are supposed to guarantee fairness and sportsmanship. Today, we have to note that the rules chosen by the Vendée Globe forbid a woman to have a child, even if the woman is a recognised ocean sailor who has already finished in the previous edition.“

Star seeks trustworthy partner

She continues: „In the 21st century, who are we to believe that such rules are fair? It is easy to lament afterwards the low number of women on the starting lines … I am determined to sail again, under the colours of a trustworthy partner whose human convictions I will share.“

Clarisse Crémer aka ClaCla was the female star at the last Vendée Globe. The young Frenchwoman also made history as the first woman to do so. She reached the finish line in just 87 days, beating the record held for over 20 years by Ellen MacArthur, who sailed solo around the world in 94 days.

On the water, men and women are equal, says Clarisse Crémer © Clarisse Crémer / Banque Populaire X

The 33-year-old Frenchwoman has one of the biggest fan bases due to her bubbly, fun nature, her dedicated racing and her good media work off the boat. She had become a role model for many young women as the youngest woman in the race.

No difference on the water

„Nothing is different on the water because I am a woman. Whether the competitors are men or women, I don’t think about that on the water. It doesn’t affect the way I race at all,“ Clarisse Crémer said in February 2021.

But that’s not what makes the race different for men and women. The difference is: you have to get on a boat .