Please select your home edition
Edition
Sailingfast 2018 728x90

Vendee Globe - Sam Davies monohull hits the water

by Vendee Globe on 20 Mar 2012
Yachtswoman Sam Davies Michael Austen Photography
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.

www.vendeeglobe.org
RS Sailing 2021 - FOOTERArmstrong 728x90 - MA Foil Range - BOTTOMHenri-Lloyd Dynamic Range

Related Articles

Poole Regatta to Host IRC Europeans in 2026
4 days of competitive racing in a spectacular environment The enviable track record Poole has built for hosting unmissable regattas continues in 2026 with the inclusion of the prestigious IRC European Championship as an integral element of racing, alongside multiple class starts.
Posted on 1 Apr
Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca by FERGUS day 2
It does not get better than this, with a sparkling spring sea breeze An afternoon of warm sunshine with 10-12k knots of thermal wind saw all seven course areas operating in champagne conditions, a reminder there is no better place in the world for early season Olympic racing on this scale.
Posted on 1 Apr
Lords of Tram GKA Big Air Kite World Cup France
Brazil's Mikaili Sol back with a bang to take title in epic Lords of Tram final The 2025 GKA Big Air Kite World Cup kicked off in Barcares, France, on Saturday, with the Tramontana wind roaring at full force.
Posted on 1 Apr
World Sailing Race Officials Training programme
Available to Member National Authorities to apply for on an annual basis World Sailing is proud to announce the launch of a new education programme for Race Officials.
Posted on 1 Apr
2025 Chile World Cup day 5
Emotions ran high as finalists were crowned in Chile The Chile World Cup saw emotional scenes on the beach as exhausted but elated riders returned to shore, having just secured their places in the finals of one of the most iconic events on the World Wave Tour calendar.
Posted on 1 Apr
The Proving Ground
Why the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca by FERGUS is such an important regatta The end of an Olympic quadrennial cycle often brings sailing campaigns to an end. Some partnerships in doublehanded classes split, with helm and crew going their separate ways, while others use the time to reflect on their future.
Posted on 1 Apr
43rd Copa del Rey MAPFRE surpasses 50 entries
14 nationalities on the entry list Four months ahead of its 43rd edition, which will also host the ORC European Championship, the Copa del Rey MAPFRE already boasts 55 boats from 14 nationalities on its entry list.
Posted on 1 Apr
NZ Govt turns back on last Cup hosting opportunity
Business leaders and commentators are quick to criticise NZ Government's lack of foresight. The NZ Coalition Government decision to walk away from hosting of the 38th America's hadsreceived criticism from City leaders. With changes mooted in the Cup along F1 lines, Cup hosting will move out of the reach of the always cash-strapped Kiwi nation.
Posted on 1 Apr
Erica Lush completes Solo Guy Cotten race
American sailor passes first qualifier for Solitaire du Figaro Rhode Island sailor Erica Lush completed her first qualifying race for the Solitaire du Figaro this week after competing in the Solo Guy Cotten Regatta. Lush completed the regatta's offshore course with a time of one day 22 hours.
Posted on 1 Apr
America's Cup set to return to the USA
President Donald J. Trump has proclaimed that the next will be held at his private club, Mar-a-Lago. President Donald J. Trump has proclaimed that the next America's Cup, the prestigious sailing competition dating back to 1851, will be held at his private club, Mar-a-Lago.
Posted on 31 Mar