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Azimut Challenge with The Echappée Bleue – Fabrice, skipper of Capt’n Boat, shares his experience
This year, Fabrice, skipper of Capt’n Boat, and 2 other skippers from the platform, have committed to l’Échappée Bleue and GlobeSailor. The aim: to accompany 35 children from disadvantaged backgrounds to the Azimut Challenge Runs and discover sailing.
Here’s a look back at a day full of emotions!
A day exploring the world of sailing at the Azimut Challenge
This unique event, organised in Lorient, France ; by l’Échappée Bleue, was part of a wider educational project aimed at raising children’s awareness of the need to protect the marine environment. The aim of the Échappée Bleue is to go beyond sailing techniques and pass on the values of respect for the environment.
A day rich in discoveries, under the guidance of Paul Meilhat, renowned sailor and creator of L’Echappée Bleue.
Welcomed to the Lorient base by Paul Meilhat, the children were given a backstage tour of the preparations for the Vendée Globe 2024-2025. The Biotherm, the IMOCA boat Paul will be racing in this legendary race, was in full preparation. Emotions and admiration! For the children and our Capt’n Boat sailors alike!
The experience continued on the pontoons of Lorient, where the Association Éric Tabarly offered the children an insight into the history of French sailing. A visit to the legendary Pen Duick, Pen Duick III and Pen Duick V captivated the budding young sailors, who never stopped asking questions of their supervisors.
Boarding to assist the Imocas Runs for the Azimut Challenge
One of the most eagerly awaited moments of the day was the boarding. Iloria Bretagne had provided four 13-metre monohulls, moored close to the flying IMOCA boats. Supervised by teams from Surfrider and Globe Sailor, the 35 children quickly took possession of the boats, learning about the helm, winches and sailing manoeuvres. The crew is installed and the skippers are ready. Head for the run zone where the IMOCAs are already flying… Impatience and jubilation!
«The weather is perfect. A 15 to 20 knot wind at 300°, sun and cloud, small squalls to set the pace for the sailing. Upwind sailing towards the exit from Lorient harbour, between the beacons and rocks. The island of Groix offers us sublime scenery.
The spectacular passage of the flying IMOCAs, cutting through the waves at dizzying speed, smoking in the mist of the sea spray, is fantastic!
It’s already time to turn around and avoid a squall on the left of the race zone, as the downwind conditions push us towards the Lorient Sailing base. The sun’s rays warm us up, the kids are getting tired – just contemplate!»
Conclusion: An unforgettable adventure
Back at the harbour, there were smiles all round. The children were quick to thank Paul Meilhat, the Surfrider teams, Globe Sailor, Iloria Bretagne and the Association Éric Tabarly. This day aboard the Échappée Bleue yachts will remain engraved in their memories.
«A big thank you to all the partners who made this day possible and to the children of La Torche who made this adventure as rewarding as it was joyful.
It’s a pleasure for us sailors to help youngsters discover our profession, to pass on our passion and to attend unique shows such as the Azimut Challenge Runs.» – Fabrice M., skipper on Capt’n Boat.
You too, go sailing in complete safety with Fabrice!
Sailing instructor, great teacher and lover of the sea, Fabrice can help you get to grips with your boat or improve your skills.
You just have to create an ad on the platform to hire the perfect sailor!
