Les Déferlantes Sailing Team
The First Women’s Offshore Sailing Team in History with a Multi-Boat Fleet
The sailing team
The Launch
Sasha, a scientist, and Aina, an international sailor, met on the Mini 6.50 Offshore Sailing Circuit.
With shared views on the lack of women in male-dominated fields, we decided to join forces to create opportunities that drive female participation in offshore sailing.
Through this adventure, we aim to reach an international audience to speak about equality, courage, and knowledge-sharing, inspiring an entire new generation of young people.
The Message
Offshore sailing races are one of the few mixed sports where men and women compete on equal terms, sharing the same starting line and the same podiums. Yet, less than 17% of sailors in major offshore competitions are women. We want to change this reality. Our adventure is also about empowering women, paving the way for them to claim their space in the sailing world.
The First Women’s Sailing Team, Les Déferlantes
We have created Les Déferlantes, a team that includes:
Performance Team (Class 40): made up of Aina Bauza and Sasha Laniece, competing in the Class40 circuit with the Transat Jacques Vabre 2025 as their first major objective.
Mini Performance Program (Mini 6.50): the team provides a young sailor with mentorship and support on her journey to the legendary Mini Transat race in 2027.
Empowering Women: European Tour
In 2026, we will launch the 1st European Women Sailing Tour.
A tour aboard the team’s flagship vessel with 15 STOPS in ports of major European coastal cities to inspire over 3,000 high school girls.
A 3-Year Adventure
2 BOATS, 4 TRANSATS, 1 TOUR
Our two vessels will compete in the Class 40 and Mini 6.50 circuits, with qualifying races throughout the year and 4 major transatlantic races. Three years of continuous adventure and communication!