Vendee Globe - Sam Davies monohull hits the water

by Vendee Globe on 20 Mar 2012 Vendee Globe skipper Sam Davies was present as her monohull Savéol was lowered into the Concarneau Bay waters. The entire team supporting Davies and her project for months and Savéol’s former skipper Roland Jourdain also attended. The female skipper is now full of anticipation for what lies ahead.

Nearly 30 people were present for the special occasion on March 15. The CEO and general manager of Savéol (Title-sponsor of the boat), other partners, people supporting Sam and her project since the beginning, tomato and strawberry growers, they all met at Moros wharf in Concarneau (Finistère) to attend one of the key moments for Savéol in the 2012-2013 Vendée Globe: The launch of the 60-foot monohull. Needless to say, the 37-year-old skipper did not miss a second of the symbolic operation marking the result of several years of effort on her part.

The overall tone of the morning was one of good humor and tradition as champagne glasses accompanied the keel installation and the addition of a gold coin to the equipment of a boat that happens to be Roland Jourdain’s former yacht Véolia. Jourdain was actually present in Brittany for the transition. Sam Davis explains: 'He had a big smile on his face and he seemed happy to see the project had become reality and his boat was going to start a new adventure. Owners and skippers change but the life of the boat goes on.'

'I can’t wait to actually sail.'

After months of hard work in her own office or in potential partners’ offices, Sam Davies finally had the opportunity to get close to the sea and to her boat. And it was about time !

The British skipper was looking forward to sailing in her adopted homeland of Brittany. 'I’m now going to take Savéol to Port-la-Forêt, her home port, where technical adjustements will be taken care of and finally get to actually sail next week ! I just can’t wait. The launch of the boat took place in ideal weather conditions. Because there was no wind, crane operation was no problem. But now, I’m hoping for some more wind so I can enjoy sailing on Savéol.'

After enjoying her first sailing session, Sam Davies will move on to the next important step: The boat christening. It is scheduled on April 6th in Brest, not far from Plougastel, a town known for its production of strawberries, which happen to be one of the title-partner's specialties. And because every christening needs a godmother, 2011 Miss France Laury Thilleman will assume that role and attend the symbolic ceremony.

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