A young British offshore racer taking on the toughest solo circuit in the world — the French Figaro class. Data-driven. Tech-powered. Determined.
·NEXT STEP OFFSHORE RACING·FIGARO 3 · CAP HORN #40·SOLITAIRE DU FIGARO 2026·POWERED BY ·NEXT STEP OFFSHORE RACING·FIGARO 3 · CAP HORN #40·SOLITAIRE DU FIGARO 2026·
Joss Creswell is a British offshore racing sailor based in Lorient, France, competing on the Figaro Beneteau 3 circuit — the most competitive one-design offshore class in the world, and the traditional proving ground for sailors heading to the Vendée Globe and Ocean Race.
His offshore career began as First Mate on the Clipper Round the World Race: 48,000 nautical miles over 18 months across the planet's most hostile waters — including the Southern Ocean. He achieved 8 podiums and 3 race wins, making him the highest-scoring professional sailor on the race.
Scouted by the RORC Griffin Project, he podiumed in Italy against ex-Olympic sailors. In 2024 he skippered the Venturoso transatlantic as its youngest skipper. In 2025 he finished 4th in the Défi Paprec in his debut French circuit season with title sponsor digiLab. 2026 is his first full solo campaign.
First Mate · Perseverance (Princess Maxima Foundation) · 2nd overall · 48,000nm · 8 podiums · 3 wins · Highest-scoring pro
2× 2nd, 1× 3rd against ex-Olympic sailors and experienced Figaro racers
Youngest skipper · 4th place · Crew of 8 young sailors
Défi Paprec 4th/7 · Fig'Amore 7th/7 · digiLab partnership launched
Solo Guy Cotten 30th/39 (debut solo race) · Winter training Lorient Grand Large
"The level of the other sailors is 100% within reach with hard work. The key learning from 2025 is a positive one." — Joss Creswell, Défi Paprec post-race debrief
2025 proved the concept. Starting from zero in Europe's most competitive offshore fleet, Joss and Charlie finished 4th in the Défi Paprec. The gap to the front was surmountable. 2026 is solo — building through a hard winter at Lorient Grand Large towards the Solitaire du Figaro.
In partnership with digiLab — a UK AI and machine learning company — Next Step Racing is developing digiSail: a decision-support system integrating weather routing, boat performance models, tidal data, and uncertainty-aware AI to sharpen race decisions in real time.
Co-designed with meteorologist Ella Boxall. From shore, Ella runs live routings, tracks the fleet, and flags critical decision moments. The boat tagline — "When Uncertainty Matters" — connects offshore racing strategy directly to digiLab's core AI proposition.
Perseverance — Princess Maxima Foundation arrives in Oban to claim Race 13 — one of three race wins on the way to 2nd place overall.
Joss features prominently throughout "No Going Back" — the official documentary series about the Clipper Round the World Race, following his team Perseverance — Princess Maxima Foundation to a 2nd place overall finish. Available now on Amazon Prime Video.
Watch on Prime Video
The 2026 campaign is supported by a strong team of partners. digiLab returns as title sponsor for a second season, powering the data and AI side of the campaign. Mustang Survival provides safety and technical kit. The campaign is affiliated with the RORC Griffin Project — the Royal Ocean Racing Club's talent development pathway for young British offshore sailors.
To discuss partnership opportunities for future seasons, please use the contact section below.
Client hospitality or team building — coaching-focused or a fast speed sail. Run by a professional who has led large amateur crews across 48,000nm. Lorient or UK. Up to 8 guests.
Take key stakeholders racing on the Figaro 3 in crewed events like the Spi Ouest France or Figaro Nationals — designed for 4–5 people in a competitive setting.
Visually rich presentations on decision-making under uncertainty, data-driven racing, and technology in sport — from a sailor who has done it on the world stage.
Working with young British offshore racers through the RORC Griffin Project — helping the next generation access the French Figaro circuit. Training days, weather routing seminars.
Whether you're interested in sponsorship for future seasons, corporate sailing, a talk, coaching, or just want to follow the 2026 Solitaire campaign — get in touch.
The 2026 season is fully sponsored. If you're interested in partnering for 2027 or future campaigns, get in touch directly.
Corporate sailing days are available year-round from Lorient or UK. Capacity 6–8 guests.
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