Born without his left hand, Damien Seguin still manages to combine two careers: one in Paralympic sailing, the other in offshore racing. Triple Paralympic medallist in the 2.4 mR (gold medal in Athens and Rio and a silver in Beijing) and fifth-time world champion in this discipline, Damien first got into offshore racing in 2005 via the Figaro (one-design yacht measuring 10.20 metres in length and the craft of choice for the French Elite Offshore Racing Championship).
The skipper then moved up to the Class 40 (a 12-metre long monohull), competing in a series of races, with transatlantic passages as well as two Route du Rhums in 2010 and 2014… Determined and constantly striving to excel, the man who has spent years convincing others that his handicap is not an obstacle in his bid to immerse himself in the domain of able-bodied sport, is now taking on a huge challenge: the Vendée Globe.
Damien Seguin had a remarkable Vendée Globe. First to complete his round-the-world voyage on an IMOCA with straight daggerboards and sixth in the overall ranking, at the finish, the double Olympic champion declared: "I always wanted my race to be a symbol. For me, being a top-level athlete means being able to provide a showcase for this sport." Mission accomplished for Damien, who proved that there was no longer any doubt about whether a disabled athlete could compete in the Vendée Globe.
Mobilised for disability
The APICIL Group and its members, APICIL provident and Intégrance mutual insurance, specialists in supporting less able-bodied persons and dependants, chose to support the skipper Damien SEGUIN in his next challenge: to take the start of the Vendée Globe. The APICIL Group’s commitment to the support and inclusion of less able-bodied persons is one of the main focuses of its social welfare policies. This commitment translates as support for numerous associations, which are notably involved with less able-bodied athletes. One objective: to support the development of sports practice, at every level and for everyone. Through sharing these common values, a bond has naturally formed between these protagonists and Damien Seguin. Indeed, the skipper is also extremely committed to equality between less able-bodied and able-bodied persons.
2022: Guyader Bermudes 1000 Race - 9th
2021: Transat Jacques Vabre - 11th
Défi Azimut - Lorient Agglomération - 10th
Rolex Fastnet Race - 7th
2020-21: Vendée Globe - 7th (80d 21h 58m 20s)
2020: Défi Azimut - 10th
Vendée-Arctique - Retired
2019: Transat Jacques Vabre - 14th
Défi Azimut - 5th
Rolex Fastnet Race - 16th
Mondial 2.4 mR - 1st (5th title)
Bermudes 1000 Race - 11th
2018: Route du Rhum - 6th
Dhream Cup 700 - 4th
Bermudes 1000 Race - 3rd
2017: Tour de France à la Voile - 1st
2016: Paralympic Games (Rio) 2.4 mR - Gold
2012: Paralympic Games (London) 2.4 mR - 4th
2008: Paralympic Games (Beijing) 2.4 mR - Silver
2004: Paralympic Games (Athens) 2.4 mR - Gold
5 World Champion Title in 2.4 mR (2015, 2012, 2007, 2005 and 2019)
22 World Cup victory titles in 2.4 mR