This Class40 Centrakor is a serious contender for victory in the MED MAX I Occitanie-Saïdia Resorts. The pairing of Mikael Mergui and Corentin Douguet is a strong one. And although the two say they have never sailed together, they know each other from having crossed swords on more than one occasion. On one side, Mikael Mergui, 43 years old, skipper of FRA183, not born of the last storm. After discovering sailing on the family boat, this native of Hyères is a real jack-of-all-trades. From the simple Optimist to the demanding America's Cup, via challenges on the Laser, Figaro, TP52, Mini6.50 (including a Transat in 2005), as well as the Tours de France (13!) he has sailed with the best international racers. Including a certain Kito de Pavant, with whom he set a speed record on 'Made in Midi'. This experience must have given him a taste for the Class40. In 2022, he launched himself with a new boat, a latest-generation Scow, which has got off to a promising start. His only scar: his retirement in the 2022 Route du Rhum, his childhood dream, betrayed by the electronics. Nothing to change this skipper, recognisable by his smile, his good humour and his large 1.90 metre frame. His assets on the MED MAX Occitanie Saïdia Resorts: he knows the Mediterranean well. His strike record in his first three races of 2024 (victories in the Porquerolle's Race, the Paprec600 and the Massilia Cup Offshore) speaks for itself!

Alongside the giant from Hyères, the co-skipper, Corentin Douguet! 50 years old and almost as old in a foulies jacket... A member of the 'salted butter team' (a joke among southerners), this native of Nantes has won victories on all types of boat. From the Mini6.50 (including victory in the 2005 MiniTransat), the Figaro (including 11 participations in the Solitaire), the Class 40 (whether solo, double-handed or crewed, with a 2nd place in the last Québec-Saint-Malo) and some serious experience as a weather router (for François Gabart in the Ultim or for Thibaut Vauchel-Camus in the Ocean Fifty). A solid duo, therefore, put together at the end of August! Mikael Mergui explains: "One morning I received a simple text message from him: "Are you looking for a co-skipper? I want to challenge myself in the Med! It didn't take me long to call back! I met Corentin on the 2005 Mini. The one he won! He was already square and professional. Corentin has a subtle sense of humour, he's a brilliant router and he knows my boat like the back of his hand (he had his big brother)... I think we're going to complement each other well with my knowledge of the Mediterranean. And on a MEDMAX Occitanie-Saïdia Resorts, in his own backyard as part of a race organised by his friend. " The MedMax is the Mediterranean ocean race that everyone has been waiting for. I'm really looking forward to it.