Meet Race Skipper Olivier Cardin

Olivier Cardin will make history on August 30, 2015, when the tenth edition of the Clipper Race gets underway because he is the first French skipper in our nineteen year history.

The 45 year old from Saint Aubin sur Mer, Normandy, has been a popular face on the crew training courses that have run throughout the year, thanks to a blend of competitive spirit and compassion.

The former IT Project Manager has a rich racing history, including two seasons match racing with French Olympic sailor and two-time Finn Gold Cup champion, Philippe Presti. Olivier says: “I don’t do anything in half measures. Due to my racing background, I expect high standards in everything that I do, from team building to social events and in the race itself. I intend to share my enthusiasm and sailing skills with the crew. This adventure will be my best experience in sailing and team management.”

Olivier’s passion for sailing has become a family affair after he took his wife - a novice sailor - and three young children under the age of five, sailing round the world in 2011.

Skippering his own 40-ft yacht, Olivier and his family sailed across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, so some of the Clipper Race route is familiar territory. When the race starts, Olivier says he is looking forward to new experiences too, “The Southern Ocean holds a mythical quality in any round the world race, but I’m looking forward to the Clipper Race ‘Everest leg’ in the North Pacific. As for the ports, I think Qingdao will be special for its famous Chinese welcome.”

Five things about Olivier

I am inspired by: Eric Tabarly, the father figure of sailing in France.

My lifetime goal is: to make the most of the life I have because we only get one!

I would describe myself as: tenacious, dynamic and enthusiastic.

Outside of sailing, I enjoy: reading books to help me escape & running to keep fit.

My biggest strength is: I am very open minded and despite being shy to begin with, I enjoy sharing experiences with others.

To read more about all our Clipper 2015-16 Race skippers click here.