Voyages Around Cape Horn
· 1996: First woman to finish the Vendée Globe solo round the world race and first woman to complete a solo non-stop circumnavigation, racing.
· 2000/1 Vendée Globe: Passed Cape Horn only to be dismasted 3 days short of the finish line at Les Sables d’Olonne.
Catherine Chabaud began her career as a sailing journalist for French newspapers and radio including Thalassa, Europe 1, Europe 2, and RFM before becoming a professional sailor, competing in two Vendée Globe solo circumnavigations.
Since then, Catherine has become a significant voice for protecting the oceans and as an advocate for improving safety at sea.
Between 1998 – 2009 she became a Director of the French National Maritime Museum; the French Sailing Federation; the National Sea Rescue Society (SNSM); and the Marine Protected Areas Agency.
In 2013 she organised an International Conference on the Governance of the Seas, went on to organise the Tour de France of Climate Solutions, and led the call for ecological transition within the shipping industry. She also co-founded the Ocean and Climate Platform and launched an initiative to have the ocean recognised for the common good of all humanity
In 2015 she co-founded the Foundation de la Mer, promoting French maritime issues and the following year, held the portfolio for the Sea and Coastline within the Ministry of Environment, Energy and the Sea
In 2018 she launched ‘The Ocean – a Common Good of Humanity’ appeal on World Oceans Day, raising awareness and promoting solutions to combat marine pollution.
In 2020, Catherine was elected to the European Parliament and became a powerful voice within the committees involved with the environment and fisheries. She became a UNESCO ambassador at COP21 and earlier this year she was voted in as the first woman President of Yacht Club de France. Most recently Catherine became French Minister for Maritime and Fisheries
Other Significant sailing achievements
· 1991: Mini Transat
· 1998 & 2022: Route du Rhum solo transatlantic race
· 1996 & 2000: Solo transatlantic Race,
Figaro Race and
Tour de Europe
