SAILIZ GIRL – Sailing Adventures and Mini-Transat with Azenor Le Gal

If there’s one sailor who truly lives by her convictions among the SAILIZ ambassadors team, it’s Azenor Le Gal! She constantly impresses us with her commitments and her ability to act in line with her values. And we can say that she knows how to think outside the box, no matter what others may think of her choices.

The young sailor aims to participate in the Mini-Transat 2025 aboard her Mini 6.50, which sails under the colors of the Women for Sea association. Deeply committed to ocean protection, the sailor decided last winter to sail her Mini back from the Antilles to avoid an extremely polluting cargo return.

But we won’t say any more and we’ll let her speak in this interview where she agreed to answer some of our questions.

Can you tell us how and where you started sailing? 🌊

Well, I don’t have the classic FFV background. I did 2 Optimist courses when I was little in primary school at Diwan Lorient (first solo experience on the Ter pond, haha). I really started sailing in 2022 by getting a Magnum 21s trimaran that I refurbished and relaunched before setting off on a TransMed and Transat boat-hitching trip, heading to the Antilles.

Can you tell us about your current projects and what drives your daily life? 🚀 A Mini-Transat on the horizon?

I am currently full-time on my Mini project. I started a year ago now in Guadeloupe. I got TARS in November 2023, after the Mini 2023. I trained and sailed to Brittany so as not to put my boat on a cargo ship. My project is committed to ocean preservation and the representation of women in the sailing world. For this, I sail under the colors of WomenforSea.

Another project related to the sea and sailing is on the horizon, but I can’t say more for now.

How did the SAILIZ GIRL adventure start for you? ⛵

Well, it was the WomenforSea association that told me about Solène and her great project of technical clothing designed by and for women. When I saw the call for ambassadors, I jumped at the chance!

A 100% female brand for technical sailing gear, what does that inspire in you? 👩‍🦰💪

As I said, my project is committed to the representation of women at sea. Indeed, there are still too many inequalities, even on the water. And that’s also the case for comfort and technical aspects. Too few clothes are truly adapted to being a woman at sea. So I think the initiative is great, and beyond that, I find it essential!

The place of women in sailing and the slogan #YESGIRLSCANSAIL, what do you think about it today in 2024? 🌟

For me, it’s obvious. Discrimination and preconceived notions no longer have a place at sea, and no matter how you sail. Women undoubtedly have their place there. It shouldn’t be an issue anymore, and yet, it’s still difficult for some to sail freely. At sea, there are neither men nor women, there are sailors ready to brave the swell and face the spray. For me, the #YESGIRLSCANSAIL slogan represents a message of encouragement for women or young girls to push their limits and be stronger than the boundaries imposed on them.

What are your best sailing experiences? 🌅

Definitely, my west-to-east crossing on my Mini 6.50, more precisely from Guadeloupe to Horta. A long-awaited voyage that required demanding effort, rigor, and humility. It was incredible!

Next, my top 2 was on my trimaran. A sail on Quiberon Bay with a sublime sunset. I think that’s where I confirmed my desire for the open sea.

And finally, my top 3 was my first solo sail. Ideal conditions in Guadeloupe. A pure feeling of freedom! I was sure of myself, confident in my choices. Pure bliss, haha!

What are your future projects, your dreams? ✨

I have many, haha! I believe that in terms of offshore racing, my dream would be to participate in the Ocean Race. This race has thrilled me since I was little. I would also like to participate in the Globe40 and build my Class40 using eco-construction.

Regarding sailing trips, I would dream of sailing in the North Seas (that’s coming soon) or rounding Cape Horn. Finally, why not a somewhat sporty round-the-world trip in a cruising boat, haha.

But my dream for the sea would be for everyone to realize its value and understand that it is essential. I would like everyone to cherish it and want to protect it.

And also, my sailing-related project that I will talk about soon.

If you had to give advice to women who want to sail more, what would you tell them? 🌍

Go for it, without hesitation.

Let discouraging and unpleasant comments become a driving force, while encouragement provides comfort. There’s a Breton quote that says « get ar boan hag an amzer a-benn a bep-tra e teu* », it’s this phrase that motivates me every day.

*with pain and time, you will overcome everything (word-for-word translation)

What is the Mini-Transat?

The Mini-Transat is a solo transatlantic race that pits skippers against each other on 6.50-meter sailboats, called “Minis”. Created in 1977, the Mini-Transat stands out for its demanding course which connects France to the Caribbean in two stages, with a stopover in Spain or Portugal. The unique feature of the Mini-Transat is that it is open to everyone, amateurs and professionals alike, making it a unique and accessible event.

The skippers of the Mini-Transat must demonstrate great autonomy, as they sail without external assistance and without communication with land, which adds an extra challenge to this legendary race. For many sailors, the Mini-Transat represents a stepping stone to other major offshore races, but it remains above all an intense human adventure and an ultimate test of their skills and resilience at sea.