Following the huge controversy surrounding the dropping of their skipper Clairsse Cremer, Banque Populaire has decided not to compete in the next Vend\u00e9e GlobeCremer onboard the previous Banque Populaire IMOCA. Photo: IMOCA.orgIn early February Clarisse Cremer broke the news she had been dropped as skipper for the 2024 Vend\u00e9e Globe by her sponsor Banque Populaire. Now, following a month of terrible coverage in the press the French bank, and long time sailing sponsor, has announced they will not participate in the forthcoming Vend\u00e9e.
\nIn a statement on their website and on their social media channels the French banking giant stated:
\nBanque Populaire now considers that the conditions are no longer met to be able to calmly approach the Vend\u00e9e Globe and announces its withdrawal from the 2024 edition.
\nBanque Populaire regrets the current situation and understands the emotion it has aroused in the public.
\nCommitted to the world of sailing for more than 30 years, Banque Populaire will continue to support clubs, schools, French sailing teams and its offshore racing team all over the world\u2019s oceans throughout France.
\nBanque Populaire will actively continue its involvement in work that helps advance the role of women in sport, particularly in ocean racing.
\nIMOCA 60 skipper Clarisse Cremer, who has recently given birth to her first child, and who currently holds the record for being the fastest woman to sail solo around the world, raced for Banque Populaire in the last Vend\u00e9e Globe, and was due to take the helm of the former Apivia for the same backers in the 2024 race.
\nIn a post on her\u00a0Facebook page in early February Cremer announced she had been dropped and explained that, although she wasn\u2019t obligated to, she had told her sponsors in February 2021 that she planned to start a family.
\nArticle continues below\u2026<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThe \u2018motherhood penalty\u2019? Controversy as Vend\u00e9e Globe skipper Clarisse Cremer loses sponsor<\/p>\n
\t\t\t\t\t\t\tIMOCA skipper Clarisse Cremer, who has recently given birth to her first child, has been controversially dropped by her sponsor\u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cThey still chose me for this new Vend\u00e9e Globe and communicated our mutual commitment in autumn 2021.
\n\u201cI learned last Friday that Banque Populaire had finally decided to replace me. By their decision, and despite my constant will, I will not be part of the Vend\u00e9e Globe 2024.\u201d
\nIn the weeks since that initial announcement many professional sailors, and politicians have come out in support of Cremer and to denounce her treatment by Banque Populaire. There has also been considerable speculation as to who would take up the role of skipper for the sponsor following such a monumental backlash.
\nRead Yachting World editor, Helen Fretter\u2019s assessment of the Clarisse Cremer announcement.<\/p>\n
If you enjoyed this\u2026.<\/p>\n
Yachting World is the world\u2019s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.<\/p>\n
Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.<\/p>\n
The post Banque Populaire drops out of the 2024 Vend\u00e9e Globe appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Following the huge controversy surrounding the dropping of their skipper Clairsse Cremer, Banque Populaire has decided not to compete in the next Vend\u00e9e GlobeCremer onboard the previous Banque Populaire IMOCA. Photo: IMOCA.orgIn early February Clarisse Cremer broke the news she … <\/p>\n