Fabrice Amedeo enlists German navigator, Andreas Baden, on Transat Jacques Vabre

For his return to the open seas and competitive sailing, Fabrice Amadeo has chosen to bring a German co-skipper on board. The aim is to achieve a successful double-handed race, reignite oceanographic measurement campaigns at sea, and symbolise the cherished German-French friendship. This collaboration also holds great significance for Hager Group and other partners involved in the project.

One year after participating in the Route du Rhum, Fabrice Amedeo will once again venture into the vast oceans on the Transat Jacques Vabre. This important race will see him partnering with German navigator, Andreas Baden. In preparation to set sail together on their transatlantic journey, the sailors will meet in August and train extensively to optimise the performance of the recently launched IMOCA Nexans - Art et Fenêtres and prepare meticulously for the upcoming Transat Jacques Vabre. Their schedule includes a qualifying race at the end of August, leading them to the legendary Fastnet Rock, the Défi Azimut in September, and ultimately, the transatlantic double-handed race, commencing from Le Havre on October 29.

As Fabrice Amedeo returns to the open seas with his new sailing partner, their ambitions will be measured. Fabrice comments: 

"The gap between new boats and the rest of the fleet is becoming increasingly vast. Moreover, my priority is to qualify for the Vendée Globe and reach Martinique, rediscovering the essence of sailing - finding joy, pushing boundaries, and embarking on a remarkable adventure with Andreas - all while conducting ocean measurement campaigns and raising awareness for ocean preservation." 

Andreas Baden and Amedeo’s values align, with Baden expressing his own commitment to ocean preservation, whilst sharing his delight in joining forces with Amedeo, stating: 

 “I am thrilled to be part of Fabrice's team, as their values resonate deeply with my own. My close connection to nature is evident through my academic background in agriculture and environmental sciences, with a focus on environmental protection. Alongside my passion for sailing, I have established an auditing company that specialises in sustainable energy consulting. I believe this aligns well with Fabrice and his partners' commitment to a world tour without relying on fossil fuels. I eagerly await the start of this incredible transatlantic race. Joining forces with Fabrice, we aim to deliver a powerful message in favour of energy transition and ocean protection."

At 34 years old and originally from Bonn, Andreas Baden began sailing in his adolescence. Baden’s family relocated to Kiel to support his passion for sailing, and at 23, he was selected to join the German national team (Sailing Team Germany) as part of a program dedicated to young talents. He honed his skills during two years of high-level racing in the North and Baltic Sea. Andreas later became involved in several ORC projects and participated in various offshore navigations, including the challenging Rolex Middle Sea Race in 2014. To this day his passion for the open waters remains unaltered, much like Amedeo. 

The decision to have a German co-skipper on board is not coincidental. Many partners of the project are internationally renowned companies. Additionally, this decision pays homage to Hager Group, historically known for having it`s roots in both: France and Germany. This collaboration symbolises the strong German-French friendship and provides Hager Group with an opportunity to better promote the messages of the Ocean Calling project that is developing in Germany.

As the collaboration between Fabrice Amedeo and Andreas Baden takes sail, it promises thrilling sporting challenges and provides opportunities to raise awareness for environmental protection. The team will conduct essential measurement campaigns during the race, gathering valuable data for ocean exploration and conservation.

At Hager Group, we take immense pride in being part of this exciting venture that highlights and supports the German-French friendship, and one that champions sustainability. We extend our best wishes to Fabrice Amedeo and Andreas Baden on their transatlantic journey. Our commitment to strengthening German-French ties and promoting sustainability remains at the core of our values, and we are thrilled to share the messages of the Ocean Calling project with audiences in Germany and beyond.