www.ericperon.fr

Date of birth:
1981.04.03
Hometown:
Ploneour Lanvern, Brittany, France
Hobbies:
Sailing, surfing, skiing, mountaineering, cycling…
Favourite athletes:
A bit of everyone inspires me

BIO

After taking courses in competitive sailing on dinghies, while studying  in university – with two Olympic preparations at the same time – Eric discovers offshore racing when sailing with almost no experience in a very difficult category in identical sailboats (Figaro mono types) and participates in solo races.

He will shine there and boost up his confidence. He soon realizes that in this discipline, there is a balance between mind, body and adventure. Eric will then cross the Atlantic Ocean  10 times and will participate in the most demanding solo race events such as La Solitaire du Figaro, 5 times, between France, Spain, Ireland and England, among his many other great sailing races in mono hulls and multi hulls.

J1down!

Despite the  experience gathered, he has not forgotten that at the age of 10, a calendar with the image of the Vendée Globe – a non stop race around the world – became his childhood dream! At 33 today, he feels ready to turn the dream into reality and for that same reason, he founded a business club to finance his project : Be One Team.

Eric Peron “…Volvo Ocean Race is a great event that remains a top adventure among adventures. Excited to be part of it plus the race is the best training I could ever dream of in order to prepare  for Vendée Globe ! …”.

INTERVIEW

What are you looking for to accomplish?

I just follow my dreams and try to find the way to catch them. The next one will be a single-handed race around the world, nonstop and unassisted, on IMOCA 60 monohulls. It’s the VENDÉE GLOBE, an international event held every four years and starts and finishes in les Sables D’Olonne (Vendée, France). I’ll be there in 2016!

What would be your greatest achievement?

The VENDÉE GLOBE is my biggest target for the moment.

© Yann Riou_DRT_VOR_Leg2-3

 

What kind of difficulties does your sport’s performance involve?

Day and night racing, that’s offshore sailing, find the place to eat and sleep and keep pushing your concentration as far as you can.

© Yann Riou_DRT_VOR_Leg1

What makes you feel satisfied when performing your sport?

First when I finish the race in a good shape, without any injuries, second when the boat doesn’t have damages, third when there is nobody between me and the first place!

© Yann Riou In-Port Race 2

Where do you practice your techniques when being alone?

For the next 4 months, I will be racing on the Volvo Ocean Race (9 months racing around the world) so I will be around the world with all my crew all the time. I work on different skills for myself but still work on basics with them. 

© Sam Greenfield

What do you do during your training which is key to your success?

If only I knew it…!

What are you most nervous about when competing?

I’m a very calm person. I don’t even know if I am nervous sometimes.

Who would you say is your biggest fan and why?

No idea… my mum obviously as it’s totally subjective…?

© Sam Greenfield

What is the best piece of advice you have been ever given?

One hand for you, one hand for the boat. (means just hang on first!)

What are your future plans?

"OBR 1 Dongfeng Race Team"

First of all, participate in the Vendée Globe 2016/2017, before, do the Transat Jacques Vabre in 2015 (Double-handed Transatlantic) and develop my Business Club “Be One Team” to federate and give great communication tools to a maximum of companies thanks to sport.

What are your tips for those who begin now?

Follow your dream and keep trying!

Eric Peron - © Alexis Courcoux