Thomas Ruyant, 41 years old, comes from Malo-les-Bains in the Hauts-de-France region. As a child, he sailed with his family and he is also passionate about running and ice hockey. He’s a sporting all-rounder.
In early 2000, he really got into competitive singlehanded racing on sailing dinghies, like the Laser, then the First Class 8. Finally, in Mumm 30, he discovered the open ocean, notably with the crews on Défi Jean Bart and Courrier Dunkerque.
One day in 2005 - having just completed his studies in STAPS (Physical and engineering science technicians) - he discovered a Mini 6.50 for sale in a car park in Dunkirk. He restored it and went for it. In 2007, he participated in the Mini Transat, his first big solo experience, which would convince him to continue.
In 2009, he won the Mini Transat between La Rochelle and Salvador de Bahia in Brazil. His prototype flies the flag of Faber France and the Urban Community of Dunkirk. In 2010, he took the top prize in the Route du Rhum’s Class 40 category after an epic transatlantic race. This victory rounds off a sporting season, which sees him win all the competitions on the circuit. Eager to hone his skills in singlehanded ocean racing, the sailor from northern France follows this up with three seasons in the Solitaire du Figaro.
In 2015, he gets a call from the association Le Souffle du Nord to compete in the Vendée Globe 2016 - 2017. In his first race in a 60-foot monohull, in the Transat Jacques Vabre, Thomas secures a creditable fourth place with his friend Adrien Hardy. He then sets off on his first round-the-world race with the aim of being competitive and conveying the message of the NGO Project Imagine, which promotes everyday heroes. His performance in the Vendée Globe is remarkable. Thomas is vying with the best in the sport. Unfortunately, his momentum takes a hit off New Zealand, the blue and yellow IMOCA literally splitting apart. He does not abandon his boat, instead nursing her through two days of anguish, with his engine idling, his hand on the alarm button, before making landfall. How he pulled it off, we still don't know!
After this retirement, Thomas Ruyant spared no effort in trying to make the start of the Vendée Globe 2020 with a high-performance campaign. It was job done for the sailor from Dunkirk, who posted 5th place in the ranking. He spent two-thirds of the race in the top trio, demonstrating exceptional fighting spirit during his 80 days on the racetrack.
2022 : Guyader Bermudes 1000 Race - Retired
2021 : Transat Jacques Vabre - 1st
Défi Azimut - 3rd
The Ocean Race Europe - 3rd
2020-21 : Vendée Globe - 6ème (80d 15h 22m 01s)
2020 : Défi Azimut - 9th
Vendée-Arctique-Les Sables d'Olonne - 3rd
2019 : Transat Jacques Vabre - 5th
Défi Azimut - 16th
2018 : Transat AG2R-La Mondiale - Winner with Adrien Hardy
2016-17 : Vendée Globe - Retired
2015 : Transat St Barth - Port La Forêt - Retired
Transat Jacques Vabre - 4th
Rolex Fastnet Race - 4th
2013 : Rolex Fastnet Race - 4th in Class40
Transat Jacques Vabre - Retired in Class40
Solitaire du Figaro - 25th
Tour de Bretagne à la voile - 4th
2012 : Solitaire du Figaro - 16th
2011 : Transat Jacques Vabre - Retired
Solitaire du Figaro - 21th
2010 : Record SNSM - Winner
Route du Rhum - Winner in Class40
Normandy Channel Race - Winner in Class40
2009 : Transat 6.50 - Winner
Tour de France à la Voile - Winner