Éric Tabarly
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Éric Tabarly (July 24, 1931 in Nantes – June 14, 1998) was a notable French sailor.
A former officer in the French navy who is often considered the father of French yachting, Tabarly was a record-setting distance sailor who won several notable races aboard his boats, all named Pen Duick. He was lost at sea when struck by a gaff during heavy swell and knocked overboard from his yacht while on the way to Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Tabarly was a two-time champion of the OSTAR, winning in 1964 — for which he was awarded the Légion d'honneur — and 1976. He also competed twice in the Whitbread Round the World Race, finishing second in 1973 and seventh in 1993.
