Very few sports events can combine legendary heritage and futuristic technology; the America’s Cup is, in all likelihood, the ultimate expression of this union. Since 1851, sails have been in continuous evolution, enchanting and attracting the collective imagination. Some nations have always shown a unique sensitivity to this magical event, such as France, a land with an immense sailing culture.

The Orient Express Racing Team is the most contemporary chapter in this timeless relationship. Its AC75 is the futuristic nautical work of art that represented it in the waters of Barcelona, where the world’s oldest sporting competition is coming alive. The French team was recently eliminated from the competition after the Round Robin, but laid the groundwork for a bright future, driven by its forward-looking and conscious vision, and led by both the knowledge and passion of skipper Quentin DeLapierre. Thanks to K-Way, the team’s technical supplier, we had the chance to meet him. Class of ’92, skipper, former Olympic athlete, international sailing talent, and K-Way ambassador, Delapierre introduced us to a world that is as elegant as it is rarefied: sailing excellence.

The themes touched upon by Delapierre are a mosaic of collective details and individual feelings. They blend emotion with analytical data, creating a programmatic manifesto shared by anyone who accepts the challenge to compete for the world’s most famous trophy. Those themes speak of a positive obsession and an extraordinary control of the here and now that tacks and gybes between physical condition, mental clarity, and mutual effort.

The genesis of a passion. Its most brilliant stage. The functional cohesion of a team of 120 people. The nerve-wracking attention to every detail. The fascination of water flight. Join us on a trip through the sailing world of Quentin Delapierre through his words as we seek to understand what lies beneath the 37th edition of the America’s Cup, and the Orient Express Racing Team’s future.

THE GENESIS OF A PASSION

“The interesting feature of sailing is its many-sidedness. There are so many different specialties where you have to be faster, slower, more instinctive, or more tactical, where you can literally do what stimulates you the most. It’s not always the same kind of game, like tennis. I’ve participated in the Olympics and many other international events, and now I’m focused on the America’s Cup, and this diversity has always kept my interest and passion high. Every year, every training session I’ve had the opportunity to learn new sides of my sport. Another thing that fascinates me is that, in sailing, you’re constantly dealing with the elements, like the wind and the sea… And those elements are constantly changing, so you have to be able to adapt your knowledge and choices according to their changes. Everything happens quickly. You have to control your boat and draw on your sensations, interpreting the elements themselves. It’s this combination of factors that makes me love sailing.”

THE ALL-ENCOMPASSING MAGIC OF THE AMERICA’S CUP

“I do it mainly for the emotions. When you compete in a sport like this, at this level, you feel like you’re living your life at 100 percent of its potential. I don’t like to say I’m trying to be a ‘machine’ every day. I prefer to live the process, listen to my feelings, and ask for help when I need it. When you’re under pressure, it’s the most intense feeling. I appreciate this about it. Whether they are good or bad feelings, you feel alive either way. There are not many people who have the chance to participate in the America’s Cup, I know I’m part of my country’s best, and I know I have a unique opportunity for a sports career. I’m also fully aware of the French sailing culture and that my nation has never brought home the cup in this event. That’s also why I chose not to attend the Olympics and focus on this project. The Games in Paris were definitely an exciting scenario, but I didn’t want to waste my energy.”

THE RATIONAL DIVERSITY OF A TEAM

“The Orient Express Racing Team consists of 120 people, divided into every possible branch. Our AC75 is a completely new boat; we hit more than 100 km/h, and I’ve never reached these speeds. On board, we have 8 cyclists who, by pedaling, give us the power to adjust the sails. It is a game of balance; no one has to dominate the others, and it’s a lot of effort, especially during the maneuvers. That’s why we brought in top athletes from other disciplines, like cycling, BMX, and rowing. It’s fun to see such different athletes having a common goal. Their backgrounds also allow us to get different feedback and advice than someone who’s only lived for sailing. Everyone wants to win; that’s their mindset. They all chase a new, shared goal and want the best possible performance. The America’s Cup is rooted in obsession, and it still is.”

TRAINING FEAR AND PERFECTION

“It is not easy to share information with everyone, which is why we have several briefings every day. Our days are extremely full, and each one has specific goals. We start at 8 a.m. with some physical exercise, then we analyze data and videos, think about how to improve the boat. From 11 to 6 p.m. we set sail and practice on the water. In the evening we reflect on the various feedbacks, and overnight the team works following the new infos in order to evolve the boat. We work a lot on our bodies and minds. We have simulators that develop our muscle memory. For example, I’ve to handle 60 buttons inside the boat, and I do the same exercises as Alpine drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon in Formula 1. We also have the same mental coach as multiple Olympic champion Leon Marchand. You’ve to be focused all the time. And when you reach such high speeds you’ve to be able to control fear. We’re also prepared to handle any accidents, we look after the safety of our crew.”

ORIENT EXPRESS AND K-WAY

“The relationship between the Orient Express Racing Team and K-Way began in 2023, and I’m impressed by the mutual understanding we’ve developed during this time. Sailing is a special world; it’s difficult for a brand to understand and process our technical needs. The quality and functionality of the garments are essential for performance, plus in Barcelona we faced a peculiar climate. So it was important to be ready for this, also from the point of view of technical products. You have to be equipped to go out there. It was great to see how the collection they produced for our team, including those ashore, also inspired a commercial collection (ed note: a special capsule currently available). We acted as testers, so to speak. Ultimately, I’d like to point out that K-Way was the first sponsor of the Orient Express Racing Team. I’ve supported this partnership and vision from the beginning.”