North Crew: Quentin Ponroy

A qualified engineer, experienced sailmaker and sail designer, Quentin Ponroy is also a very good sailor. In 2014 he won the J/80 Europeans (tactician) and the Tour de France à Voile (mainsail trimmer). He also enjoys sailing famed French boats such as Multi50, Mini, Figaro Bénéteau II or Open 7.50 with great success. This week you will find him on the Diam 24 course at Spi Ouest.

Pictured left with Thomas Coville on the 102ft trimaran Sodebo Ultim’, Quentin is also making great strides in the ocean racing sphere.

“At North Sails, I am fortunate to be involved in very different projects from the Mini 6.50 to the Maxi Sodebo, including IRC boats or the Figaro for example,” he said. “My job on the design team is to work fast and perfect sails by using different shapes and materials in the design. I enjoy this job because it’s never finished and I also spend time sailing.

When asked for his advice to a young person with big aspirations in sailing, Quentin had the following recommendation:

“Spend time on the water no matter the boat. And be conscious that the technical dimension is more and more important to understand modern boats.”