France
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Florence Arthaud
Boulogne-Billancourt, France
Archival Overview
French sailor and navigator, known as 'The Little Bride of the Atlantic', who won the grueling solo Route du Rhum transatlantic yacht race in 1990.
Biographical Record
Florence Arthaud (1957–2015), affectionately titled La petite fiancée de l'Atlantique, was a pioneering French ocean navigator who shattered gender boundaries in offshore yacht racing. Having survived a horrific car crash and coma at age 17, she took to the sea with boundless audacity.
In 1990, sailing the 60-foot trimaran Pierre 1er, Arthaud became the first woman to win the prestigious solo transatlantic Route du Rhum, also shattering the crossing record. Arthaud died tragically in the 2015 Villa Castelli helicopter collision in Argentina.
Key Life Milestones
Solo North Atlantic Record
Broke the solo North Atlantic crossing record held by Bruno Peyron, crossing in 9 days, 21 hours and 42 minutes.
Historic Route du Rhum Victory
Won the solo transatlantic Route du Rhum on the trimaran Pierre 1er, becoming the first woman to win the blue-riband classic.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
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Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialCannes, France