Elodie Bonafous: A Historic Win at the Rolex Fastnet Race

In a momentous achievement for women in offshore racing, 29-year-old French sailor Elodie Bonafous has etched her name into the annals of maritime history by clinching the IMOCA class victory in the Rolex Fastnet Race.

Bonafous, at the helm of the newly launched Association Petits Princes–Queguiner IMOCA, managed a thrilling win in this centennial event, crossing the finish line just seven minutes ahead of her closest competitor, Jeremie Beyou's Charal, in a record-setting 444-strong fleet.

The race, stretching over 695 nautical miles, was a test of strategy and endurance, with Bonafous executing superior tactics to prevail in a nail-biting finale, underscoring a defining moment for women sailors.

(With inputs from agencies.)