Musto are proud to welcome Justine Mettraux to their family of ambassadors. As a female sailor, in an age of continuing innovation across the spectrum of the sport, the future of the sport has never looked more exciting. We caught up with Justine to find out her plans for the future, how she feels about being a female sailor in a traditionally male-dominated sport and her perspective on opportunities for other female sailors.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST SAILING ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR IN YOUR CAREER?
I’d say my 2nd ranking in the Mini Transat 2013, which is the best female result ever achieved in the race. To compete in the Volvo Ocean Race was also a big adventure and achievement, even if we didn’t do as well as we would have liked. To take part in this race was huge – it makes you become for sure a better sailor, and in some ways, a better person generally.
WHAT IS YOUR SAILING CAREER AMBITION?
I would like to have the opportunity to race the Vendée Globe once and also I want to continue to improve in the Figaro class.
WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST SAILING MEMORY?
Cruising during the summer holidays on Lake Geneva with my family on my father’s boat.
WHO IS YOUR SPORTING HERO AND WHY?
I have a lot of respect for Ellen MacArthur for her sailing achievements but also for her commitment to the environment.
WHAT MUSTO ITEM OF CLOTHING WOULD YOU NOT GO TO SEA WITHOUT?
As I often sail in cold climates, it has to be the Middle Layer Gore-Tex® Salopettes. These are especially great for keeping you warm during the nights!
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE 2017 RULE CHANGE FOR THE VOLVO OCEAN RACE?
I think it’s really nice that organisations such as the VOR are trying to help to get more women involved in high-level offshore sailing – we need that. I hope that more teams will commit to it because, for the women involved, it will be great to have the opportunity to race with really experienced sailors and learn from them.
WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO SAIL?
I enjoy racing in Brittany because it’s really challenging with the currents and the different shore effects. I’ve also been lucky enough to cruise in cold areas like Norway and Patagonia – I really like the wild beauty of these places.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER YOUNG WOMEN PASSIONATE TO PURSUE A CAREER IN SAILING?
Don’t be afraid – to know if it’s for you or not, you have to try it. No matter what the outcome is, you won’t have any regrets because you’ve put yourself out there and tried something truly unique.