The dream becomes reality: Welcome to Maximka!

The dream becomes reality: Welcome to Maximka! The Sodebo E-Skipper Academy – Season 3 has delivered on all its promises! After days of intense competition on the virtual Atlantic and a rigorous selection process, we are proud to announce the name of the person who will fly the flag for Team Sodebo Voile: Maxime, alias ‘Maximka’!

Among the 14,000 participants who took up the challenge of this unprecedented transatlantic race between Lorient and Martinique, Maxime stood out. His performance in the qualifying race propelled him into the top 200, opening the doors to the application phase.

An exceptional jury for a difficult decision

The final selection was made by a legendary jury, composed of iconic figures from the world of real and virtual sailing: Thomas Coville, Benjamin Schwartz (co-skipper of Sodebo Ultim 3), prominent members of Team Sodebo, Virtual Regatta, and even content creator Rivenzi accompanied by his community!

The five finalists' applications were presented to these experts. And it was Maxime's personality, determination and vision of sharing that won over the jury.

From virtual to real: Maxime alongside legends

For Maxime, the adventure has already begun! Just a few days after his victory was announced, he had the chance to enjoy an exclusive immersion in Lorient with Team Sodebo.. On the agenda: special meetings with the team and, the icing on the cake, a first sailing experience aboard the giant of the seas, Sodebo Ultim 3!

Imagine going from Virtual Regatta Offshore on your phone to the helm of the most powerful boat on the planet. That's the magic of the Sodebo e-Skipper Academy: a unique bridge between passion, play and excellence in ocean racing.

Heading for the Transat Café L'Or: Maximka's big challenge

As Sodebo's official E-skipper for 2025, Maxime will have a daunting task ahead of him: he will compete virtually in the major event of the year for the Sodebo trimaran: the Transat Café L'Or Normandie Le Havre next October.

He will take the helm of the virtual Sodebo Ultim 3 on the same course as Thomas Coville and Benjamin Schwartz, and will benefit from valuable weather strategy advice from Team Sodebo.
This is an unprecedented opportunity to compete against the best players in the world.

The legacy of a human adventure

Maxime now joins the very select circle of Sodebo e-Skipper Academy winners, alongside Julien Taillefer (Season 1) and Sylvie Puilamy (Season 2). Their poignant testimonials have shown how this experience goes beyond the game, offering a true human and sporting adventure. We look forward to following Maxime's exploits and sharing every step of his exceptional journey with you.

The adventure is just beginning!

Congratulations again to Maxime and a huge thank you to all 14,000 participants who made Season 3 a resounding success.
The Transat Café L’Or is fast approaching, and with Maxime at the helm of Sodebo Ultim 3, the competition promises to be epic!
See you in October to experience the Transat Café L'Or on Virtual Regatta Offshore!