Born in Vannes, France, Nicolas “Nico” Lunven is a French Navigator who is one of the few people in the world to have won the Solitaire Du Figaro twice.
Nico's many other accolades include being the two times winner of the Tour de Bretagne and 2017 offshore racing champion. He is highly experienced on board the VO65 boat. He joined the “Turn the Tide on Plastic” campaign in the Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18 edition team, after competing on the Mapfre team at the beginning of the 2014-15 edition.
Nico has joined the team for a number of offshore sailing and training sessions to prepare for this year’s campaign in The Ocean Race Europe, and also sailed with the team in the inaugural Mirpuri Foundation Sailing Trophy in July 2020.
About
Role
Navigator
Nationality
French
Date of birth
28 November 1982
Languages
French, English.
Sailing carer highlights
2nd Transat Jacque Vabre (2019)
Winner Solitaire du Figaro (2017)
Winner Solitaire du Figaro (2009)
Volvo Ocean Race 2017/18 - Sailor in Turn the Tide on Plastic team
Volvo Ocean Race 2014/15 - Sailor in Mapfre team
Yoann on Nico
I have known and raced with Nico for a very long time. Our dads sailed together and we followed them around as kids. Nico is very experienced. We are very like-minded and that will be important in the race. We are from the same ‘school’ of sailing, so we can communicate easily and make decisions quickly. He’s an enjoyable guy to have around too and I’m so pleased to have him onboard as our Navigator.
Q&A
What is your first sailing memory?
Sailing has always been part of my life. I first sailed wiith my parents when I was a baby.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by Loick Peyron. He is a highly respected French sailor. Among his many racing achievements, he won the ORMA Championship four times, the STAR transatlantic race three times, the transat Jacques Vabre twice and the Jules Verne Trophy.
What was your childhood sailing dream?
Racing in the Vendée Globe.
What is your favourite food?
I love fresh seafood. My favourite meal is scallops with rice, vegetables and a nice sauce.
What is your favourite quote?
"Do what you like, but do it well and seriously." I think that is pretty much the only quote you need in life!
What items do you always take with you when you go sailing?
Red socks. My mother is keen on the sailor Peter Blake who was known for his lucky red socks and she offered me a pair just before the start of the Solitaire du Figaro in 2009. I had a great result in the first leg of the race and I decided to wash them and take them for each leg. I won the race and as a result I never forget to bring my red socks.
What advice would you give to young sailors to protect the planet?
It is a simple rule but I encourage everyone to remember that even a small thing can be good for everybody.
Next race: The Ocean Race Europe
I'm looking forward to The experience of The Ocean Race Europe. Of course it is a new race so many things are unknown but we do know that it will be both a very enjoyable and a very serious race.