Eric Péron

Eric Péron is a French yachtsman, adventurer and professional skipper with a passion for ocean racing. He began his career on dinghies, following a classic training course in sports sailing. He took part in the French 470 championship and the Athens Olympic week in 2003. At the sametime as his studies, he discovered ocean racing and took part in solo competitions, notably the Solitaire du Figaro. It was on the Figaro Bénéteau circuit that Éric Péron really came into his own. Éric gained a wealth of experience in ocean racing, whether single-handed, with a small crew or a full crew. He has taken part in transatlantic races, round-the-world races and prestigious events such as the Volvo Ocean Race. He sails different types of boat, from monohulls to multihulls, and adapts to all sailing conditions. Over the years, Éric Péron has racked up podium finishes and victories. He won the Transat AG2R La Mondiale in 2012 and regularly placed in the top 10 in races such as the Route du Rhum and the Solitaire du Figaro. He has become a well known and respected skipper in the world of ocean racing. Éric Péron recently took on one of the most demanding challenges in sailing: the ARKEA ULTIM CHALLENGE. This non-stop single-handed round-the-world race - for which Alpina is the timekeeper - brings together the greatest sailors on giant trimarans in the Ultim class. He finished 5th in this event in 2024. A remarkable performance in a race of such intensity.

 

Follow on Instagram

@ericperon

Birthyear

1981

Alpina Ambassador since

2021

Lives In

France

 
 

Questions for Eric Péron

What drives me to surpass myself every day?

I work on the principle that human beings have infinite potential. But to exploit it to the full, we need not only to work on it, but also to challenge it. It's this belief that motivates me every day: to push back my limits, expand my knowledge, explore new horizons. My curiosity is my driving force, my fuel.


What are your fondest sporting memories?

Of course, they're often linked to victories... but not only that. They are not always victories in terms of results, but also collective successes, challenges overcome as a team. I remember a dismasting during the Volvo Ocean Race. The whole team pulled together to achieve a real technical feat and get the boat back in shape for the next leg. That victory had a very special flavour: after thinking we'd lost everything, after all the doubt and uncertainty, we set off again and won. It was an incredible lesson in solidarity and in surpassing yourself. And then there were the more personal victories. Like my first stage win in the Solitaire du Figaro. That moment when you realise that you've given it your all, that behind you are some of the biggest names in sailing. An intensely deserved victory. It was so powerful that, as I crossed the finish line, I felt a pang of regret... Already finished?


The message I'd like to pass on?

Be curious.


The 4 watches from the brand that I would keep?

Obviously, first and foremost, my Sea Strong special Arkea Ultim Challenge - Brest. It was with me throughout my round-the-world trip, which makes it particularly valuable to me. It's a 41 mm model that I wear with special affection. Then... it's hard to choose, I love them all! But on the whole, I prefer slightly larger models, around 41 mm. And I'm also saving a space for the future watch, which will be released in 2026... I can't wait to discover it!