We're proud to introduce Alicia de Pfyffer as brand ambassador for Quantum Sails. Her passion and hunger for performance in new challenges make Alicia a natural fit to represent Quantum and inspire sailors at every level. Follow along as we collaborate to bring you a behind-the-scenes perspective on single-handed offshore racing and demonstrate how Quantum's technology, service, and sails fit into a successful program.
"When we decided to partner with Alicia, it wasn't just her exceptional sailing skills that impressed us," said Quantum Sail Designer and Mini Transat expert Gildas Dubois. "What stands out is her incredible motivation and strong mentality. She was born for this sport. She sails brilliantly, with great enthusiasm and energy. She understands the dedication it takes to perform at your best. That combination of passion, skill, and mindset makes her a perfect fit for Quantum."
For Alicia, her sailing journey began in her birth country of Zimbabwe and extended into Europe, where she built a career in the superyacht industry and immersed herself in solo offshore sailing. Now, she's set her eyes on her next challenge: the Mini Transat 2025—a solo transatlantic race with no communication or assistance on a 6.5m offshore race boat.
We sat down with Alicia to dive deeper into her history, her relationship with Quantum Sails, and her plans for the future.
Quantum: We know you've sailed on a variety of boats in many different conditions. What's been one of your most memorable sailing experiences so far?
Alicia: One of my most unforgettable sailing experiences was co-skippering the Transat Paprec, a demanding double-handed offshore race from Concarneau, France, to St. Barth in the Caribbean aboard a Beneteau Figaro 3. It was my first major step into elite offshore racing, and the fleet was filled with skippers who use this circuit as a stepping stone to the Vendée Globe.
The journey began months before the start, pitching our campaign to CEOs and searching for funding. I remember walking into my first sponsor meetings with nothing but a dream and a presentation. What followed was rigorous training, learning the boat and maneuvers until my hands bled and my body ached. The boat wasn't as ready as we would have liked when we took the start. Simply because we ran out of time. We took the start exhausted. In just the first three days, lashings failed, halyards frayed, and gear broke.
Our first five days took us through a harsh front toward a mark north of the Canaries. We were cold, wet, sleep-deprived, and—I'll never forget—eating only sterilized curry meals. Something I would have loved on land, but at sea? I will never go near a curry again.
Once we turned west across the Atlantic, the magic kicked in: warm nights, flying fish, squalls on the horizon, and finally, a rhythm. It became my seventh Atlantic crossing, but the most raw and transformative.
We finished 11th out of 12 — but to me, crossing that finish line in St. Barth, with my little brother waiting on the dock to surprise me, was a victory far greater than any number.
Q: What was your thought process in choosing to partner with Quantum Sails during this pivotal time in your sailing career?
A: The opportunity to be an ambassador for Quantum is a big step in my sailing career. I first connected with Gildas, the designer of Quantum's Mini 6.50 sails, in 2024. We trained and raced together throughout the year as we were both part of Lorient Grand Large, one of the best training centers in offshore sailing.
During our training, every skipper is given the chance to share their opinion on trimming, sail shapes, and designs from different sailmakers. This was done using images taken by our coach, Tanguy Leglatin, and discussed in post-training debriefs, where he also shared his feedback.
Working closely with a sailmaker and designer is incredibly formative and interesting. I was inspired by Gildas' commitment to development, and I felt this would be a great fit for me. What drew me to Quantum wasn't just the quality of the sails, it was also the spirit of innovation and the trust I felt upon meeting the team.
Q: How do you foresee Quantum's sail innovation, performance technology, and service supporting your sailing goals?
A: Performance in offshore sailing starts with confidence in your gear. When you trust your sails, your focus shifts from doubt to execution.
Having a good relationship with your sailmaker means being able to test, fail, adapt, and evolve your sails to your own sailing style. How you helm, the best angles of your boat, the performance of your autopilot, and your training. Good sails are like strong engines. They remove mental noise. That elusive 0.2 knots can be the difference between top 5 and mid-fleet. With Quantum, I feel I can get the support I need.
Q: Tell us about your Mini Transat 2025 campaign. What's surprised you most and what drew you to this event in the first place?
A: I grew up in Tarifa, Spain, where wind sports are a way of life. My dad taught kitesurfing and had two catakites that I'd often take out in the bay. From a very young age, I was inspired and intrigued by sailing and set a goal for myself to get my Yachtmaster qualification.
I went on to succeed in a career working on large sailing boats. First as a mate, then first officer. My intrigue for racing and offshore sailing stayed with me.
When I discovered the Mini Transat, it felt like the natural next step in my career. In my first year on the Mini circuit, I placed top 10 in the French Offshore Championship and was the top-ranked woman. I secured two podiums, one solo and one double-handed, and sailed over 4,000 miles in both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, including a 1,500-mile solo voyage to Ireland and back.
What surprised me most? How quickly fear transforms into focus. In moments of doubt or danger, something switches internally. It's pure survival. And somehow, also pure joy. You return to shore changed, addicted to that clarity and intensity.
Q: Mentorship and education seem to be a big part of your mission. Who are your own mentors in sailing, and how do you seek to pay that guidance forward?
A: Mentorship has shaped every part of my journey. I've been lucky to receive guidance from skippers, captains, and sailors who gave honest advice and helped me believe I could build a career as a sailor and launch my own campaign.
In the past, I worked with charities like the Cirdan Sailing Trust, taking disadvantaged youth sailing. That was one of the most inspiring jobs I've ever had. You quickly realize how empowering sailing can be. It pulls people out of their comfort zone and into an environment that shows them what they are capable of. Some of these young people had never even seen the sea, and yet they'll carry that experience for life.
Today, I support Child Identity Protection, a Swiss organization that advocates for children's rights, including access to identity, protection from illegal adoption, and the fight against child marriage. I believe sailing can be a vessel for greater impact, far beyond competition.
Q: Can you share a bit about what's next for you? Any upcoming milestones, expeditions, or personal goals?
A: One goal in my immediate future is the Mini Transat 2025! This race is one I have been working toward and will be a major personal and professional achievement for me.
Longer term, I hope to scale up to Class40 and eventually aim for The Ocean Race or Vendée Globe.
Q: What advice would you give to young sailors, particularly women, who are looking to break into offshore or performance sailing?
A: Start in the Mini Class. It's one of the few formats that teaches you everything: offshore sailing, project management, sponsorship, logistics, mental strength, you name it.
Also, reach out to other skippers. Before launching my own campaign, I spoke to over ten in depth. Their advice helped, but more than that, it gave me the courage to say, "Let's go for it." The community is generous—use it.
Q: How do you stay focused during long offshore races or challenging training blocks?
A: For me, it starts with preparation. A well-organized boat gives me peace of mind. I go in with a clear strategy, a detailed road book, and a routine that includes planned sleep and nutrition. Every line is marked. Every system is in place.
Mental resilience comes from structure. Offshore, the smallest lapse, whether it be under sleeping or under-eating, can set you 12 miles back in a single night. But if you stay on your rhythm and love what you're doing, that discipline becomes second nature.
Q: When you think about the future of sailing, what excites you most? How do you see yourself contributing to that evolution?
A: I'm excited about making offshore sailing more inclusive, accessible, and impactful. I want to show that this isn't just a sport for the elite, it's a platform for storytelling, personal transformation, and change.
My dream is to one day sail in the Vendée Globe or The Ocean Race, and bring people along, not just physically, but emotionally. I hope my journey inspires others to pursue their own challenges, whether on the water or not.
To learn more about Alicia's history, her next adventure, or to support her current and future campaigns, visit her website, GoFundMe or keep an eye on Quantum social channels!