French marine equipment distributor XPO has launched XPO Racing, a business unit focused on hardware and technical support for competitive sailing projects.
The company has appointed offshore sailor Jean-Christophe Caso to lead the operation and work directly with skippers, shore teams and naval architects. XPO Racing will develop equipment packages for individual classes and projects, drawing on products and technical input from Antal, Karver and Ropeye, alongside other brands in XPO’s distribution portfolio.
The launch follows Antal’s acquisition of La Rochelle-based XPO in January 2026 and the formation of the Antal Group. The wider structure combines Antal deck hardware, Karver’s performance equipment and Ropeye’s composite and textile components with XPO’s French distribution and technical operation.
XPO said the racing division would use feedback from teams to select, adapt and co-develop equipment for specific loads, layouts and operating requirements.
Meeting real needs
“Our objective with XPO Racing is to be as close as possible to sailors and their technical teams to design hardware that meets their real needs,” said Xavier Phélipon, managing director of XPO.
Caso added: “The goal is to best respond to everyone’s challenges based on dialogue, in order to deliver the best solutions.”
Bernardo Zin, technical application manager at Antal, said Caso’s presence would help the companies become more involved with racing teams and understand their requirements.
Karver founder Marin Clausin said the combined product ranges and technical expertise would support a more integrated offer, while Ropeye technical director Matteo Sericano described the venture as a shared competitive-sailing project.
Caso has competed in Class40 and other offshore events, including the Route du Rhum, Transat Jacques Vabre and Rolex Fastnet Race.
