Élodie Bonafous, a rising star in French ocean sailing, confirms at the start of 2026 her ability to rally support around her IMOCA project, despite a difficult economic climate for many teams. After a 2025 season marked by remarkable performances and a first IMOCA victory in the Rolex Fastnet Race, The Breton skipper announces the arrival of a major new partner: the Kostum brand, from the Cadiou company., a Breton family business specializing in outdoor landscaping. This partnership, formalized in February 2026, is part of a virtuous dynamic, combining sporting performance, social commitment and local roots.
A meaningful partnership
The IMOCA project ofÉlodie Bonafous, supported alongside the Quéguiner Group and the Petits Princes Association, therefore welcomes Kostum, a premium brand of gates, fences and railings, renowned for its expertise combining industrial precision and handcrafted finishes.. “ Joining this project also means embodying values of commitment and passing on knowledge. By supporting Élodie Bonafous, a woman at the helm of a high-level technological and sporting challenge, we wish to celebrate female leadership focused on excellence. “,” explains Emmanuelle Cadiou, president of Maison Cadiou. For Élodie Bonafous, this support is further proof of the coherence of her venture: Kostum affirms its attachment to Brittany, its taste for challenges of excellence, and its commitment to supporting the children assisted by the Petits Princes Association. I am eager to launch my 2026 season alongside them. “.
This partnership complements an already well-structured team., with the Quéguiner Group and the Petits Princes Association, as well as Yann Eliès as a high-profile mentor, who makes the dreams of seriously ill children come true. Each race thus becomes a lever to carry a message of hope and solidarity, while aiming for the highest peaks of offshore racing.
A promising 2025 season, a 2026 season under the best auspices
In 2025, Élodie Bonafous has established herself as a revelation of the IMOCA classAt the helm of a boat identical to the winner of the last Vendée Globe, she racked up impressive performances: second in the Course des Caps, winner of the Rolex Fastnet Race, and a notable participant in the Transat Café L’OrThese results, achieved as part of a crew alongside Yann Eliès, confirmed his status as a skipper to watch, despite his status as a “rookie” in the premier class. We form a cohesive and complementary team, ready to take on the challenges of the major transatlantic races to come. ” she emphasizes.
Expert guidance and an ambitious project
Behind Élodie Bonafous, an experienced team is working on preparing the boat and developing the sailor’s potential. The sporting program is ambitious: after the Route du Rhum 2026, the Transat Café L’Or in 2027, then the Vendée Globe 2028. This project embodies the perpetual quest for self-improvement, innovation and passion that characterizes offshore racing. ” summarizes Clément Quéguiner, president of the Quéguiner Group.
To remember
- Kostum, a brand of Maison Cadiou, joins Élodie Bonafous’ IMOCA project in February 2026, alongside the Quéguiner Group and the Petits Princes Association.
- This partnership illustrates Élodie Bonafous’ ability to convince sponsors, despite a tense economic context for the IMOCA class.
- The Breton skipper is well supported, with an expert team and a high-performance boat, a twin of the winner of the last Vendée Globe.
- The objective: the Route du Rhum 2026, then the Vendée Globe 2028, while promoting the values of solidarity and excellence.
Elodie Bonafous’s list of achievements
- World champion in J80 (2017) and world university champion (2018).
- 2024: Confirmation in Figaro and preparation for IMOCA
- 2025: The year of revelation in IMOCA
- Launch of its IMOCA In February 2025, his new boat, Horizon 29 (sister-ship of the winner of the 2020-2021 Vendée Globe, Macif Health and Welfare), is launched in Concarneau. This latest generation foiler, designed by Guillaume Verdier and built at CDK Technologies, is christened in Brest on June 12, 2025 under the colours of the Association Petits Princes and the Quéguiner Group.
- Course des Caps (June 2025) For her first major IMOCA race, Élodie Bonafous takes the 2nd place In a crewed event, alongside Yann Eliès, Pascal Bidégorry and Gaston Morvan. A remarkable performance, which already hints at his potential in the premier class.
- Rolex Fastnet Race (July 2025) : She wins his first victory in IMOCA, still crewed with Yann Eliès, Basile Bourgnon and Gaston Morvan. After a close duel with Jérémie Beyou (Charal), she wins by only 8 minutes early upon arrival, after 2 days, 14 hours and 7 minutes of racing. This victory, achieved in changing weather conditions and against experienced crews, confirms his status as new major figure in the IMOCA class and propels it to the top of the IMOCA Globe Series 2025 Championship.
- Transat Café L’Or (October-November 2025) She participated in this transatlantic race in a double-handed event with Yann Eliès, finishing in an honorable position and continuing her learning in preparation for the major events to come.