Camille PFAFF: Navigating between top-level sport and engineering studies

Nantes
12 Mar 2024

At just 18 years of age, Camille Pfaff, a first-year International Bachelor student on the Icam Nantes campus, is already sailing with confidence.

Originally from Le Havre, Camille started sailing at a very early age. He entered top-level sport at the age of 12, starting out with an optimist. His talent led him to join the Pôle Espoir for four intense years of training. Sponsored by Erplast, he was able to benefit from essential performance equipment. In 2019, he won his first French Optimist Vice Champion title.

Today, he is linked to the French Sailing Federation, which gives him the opportunity to train regularly and take part in championships.

From February 11 to 16, 2024, Camille traveled to Dubai for the World Sailing Championship. In this competition, he and his teammates shone, placing 10th out of 50 in the senior category and 3rd in the junior category.

But the challenges don’t stop there for Camille. With several projects underway, he juggles his passion for sailing with his engineering studies. In partnership with the French Sailing Federation, he is actively preparing for the European Championships in September, and is already looking ahead to the World Championships next year. He also enjoys match racing.

Camille’s options were further broadened by the opportunity offered by Sophie Faguet, a professional skipper who had also coached her when she was younger. She offered her the chance to take part in a Tour de France sailing race.

Yet despite her commitment to high-level sport, Camille understands the importance of balancing sport and studies, and is confident in her ability to excel at both.