SKIPPERS WITH BIG HEARTS

You only have to mention the subject to see a broad smile spread across Nico d’Estais’ face. When he talks about Café Joyeux’s commitment alongside him, he is unequivocal: « It’s the very reason this project exists. Without Café Joyeux, it simply wouldn’t exist.» For the past five years, he has proudly carried the colours of the social cafés and restaurants that recruit and train people with intellectual and cognitive disabilities.« With my small team, I feel like we’re the 34th Café Joyeux. »

« It’s an incredible gift to be associated with Nico d’Estais,» says Claire Faure-Millet, Chief Executive Officer of Café Joyeux. « We are a social impact company with strong values, so we needed a skipper with a big heart and the courage to carry our colours. » Claire Faure-Millet visited the Vendée Arctique race village on Sunday as part of the event’s « Solidarity Day ». Several representatives from organisations partnered with the skippers were invited to share their experiences.
 

« MY PROJECT IS ABOUT MORE THAN PERFORMANCE »

Like Nico d’Estais, four other skippers are racing in support of causes close to their hearts: Violette Dorange (Initiatives-Cœur), Francesca Clapcich (11th Hour Racing), Élodie Bonafous (Association Petits Princes – Quéguiner) and Manu Cousin (Coup de Pouce). Each of them took the time to reflect on their commitments and the fulfilment they draw from being involved on a
daily basis. « My project is about more than performance, » says Francesca. « We have a strong commitment to social justice and sustainability. » The Italian-American sailor sums up her philosophy in three words: « believe, belong, achieve ».

Élodie Bonafous also hopes to inspire optimism among the seriously ill children and teenagers supported by Association Petits Princes. When launching her IMOCA project, Élodie explained that she had been « moved by the energy and values championed by the association’s volunteers », values that reflected her own « desire to commit to meaningful and human-centred causes ». Dominique Bayle, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of the association, recently explained that « Élodie’s cheerful, determined and committed personality shows these children that the power of dreams can take them far ».

INSPIRING, SUPPORTING, ENCOURAGING AND HELPING OTHERS

Another sailor proudly championing a cause is Manu Cousin, whose campaign is now associated with Coup de Pouce. The skipper has been an ambassador for the organisation since 2018 but has carried its colours exclusively only since the last Vendée Globe. « It’s an organisation that fights against early educational disengagement, supporting children from kindergarten through to primary school. » And that commitment is producing tangible results. Cécile Andres, Chief Executive Officer of Coup de Pouce, has a simple but powerful way of describing it: « Thanks to Manu, the children supported by the association can travel through his adventures and dream. »

Inspiring, supporting, encouraging and helping others are also at the heart of Violette Dorange’s commitment. At Initiatives-Cœur, the young skipper inherited not only a boat but also a mission: supporting Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque, the charity that funds life-saving heart surgery for children suffering from cardiac malformations. « What’s beautiful about this project is the idea that every race helps save children’s lives, » she explains. « It’s essential to have a patron supporting us every day because that is what enables us to save even more children, » adds Marie Pinal, representative of Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque. Since the launch of the Initiatives-Cœur adventure in 2012, a project long led by Samantha Davies, more than 500 children have already been given a new chance at life. A powerful illustration of the commitment shared by these skippers and of the deeper meaning behind their remarkable pursuit of offshore racing and adventure.