Kevin Escoffier

KEVIN ESCOFFIER

Role: Bowman

Nationality: French

Date of birth: April 4, 1980 in St Malo

Lives: France

Languages: French and English

Volvo Ocean Race experience: 2014-15, Dongfeng Race Team

Sailing highlights:
2005: 1st place, Transat Jacques Vabre in Multi50
2009: Transatlantic and 24-hour speed record on Banque Populaire V
2012: 1st place, Krys Ocean Race with Spindrift Racing
2012: Jules Verne Trophy with Banque Populaire V
2014-15: 3rd place, Dongfeng Race Team, Volvo Ocean Race

Greatest achievement?
The Volvo Ocean Race in 2014-15 with Dongfeng Race Team.

When and where did you start sailing?
I started sailing when I was very young with my father on the family boat in Saint-Malo. I was also always on a fishing boat as my father was a fisherman.

Who inspires you?
People like Eric Tabarly who are both very good sailors and designers. They are always trying to go faster by using the boat or improving themselves.

One sentence to describe yourself?
An all-rounder and offshore sailor.

What do you like to do when not working?
Imagining and dreaming about my next project.

Why Dongfeng Race Team?
This is the team with the best team spirit and performance.

What makes you passionate about the Volvo Ocean Race?
I love racing offshore.

What do you miss the most when at sea?
My family.

How do you keep going when you are at your limit and stay motivated?
Everything has an end and at least one man has gone through what I am going through so there is no reason that I cannot do it.

What he said:
“I am really happy to be back with Dongfeng Race Team. There has always been a strong spirit and a good atmosphere in the team. We are back to do even better than last time”

Charles on Kevin:
“Kevin brought knowledge, energy, positive spirit and great driving to Dongfeng – without Kevin the 2014-15 campaign would have been very different. He was one of our best choices.”