Please select your home edition
Edition
Musto 2023 HPX LEADERBOARD

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 - BOTTOMRooster 2025

Related Articles

Transat Paprec Day 6
A high-tension weekend At sea for six days, the competitors have already completed a quarter of the Transat Paprec course. After crossing the Bay of Biscay, rounding Cape Finisterre, and sailing down the Portuguese coast, the fleet has now stretched out.
Posted on 25 Apr
56th Semaine Olympique Française de Hyères day 5
Israel deny China triple gold On a day of high pressure - in all senses - and drama in all the Medal series, team power and individual brilliance produced some of the closest board Finals in Hyères history.
Posted on 25 Apr
French Open Skiff won by RS500
Emma and Luke McEwen switch roles and class, and take the victory Right at the start of their first season in the RS500, and with a switch of roles in the boat, Emma and Luke McEwen have won the prestigious French Open Skiff event at Lac du Der.
Posted on 25 Apr
Sled looking to avoid 2024's late season slide
As the 52 Super Series starts next week in Saint-Tropez Fourth overall last season, 2024 and fourth also on 2022's final standings, fifth in 2023 Takashi Okura's USA flagged Sled team start 2025 looking to find the small percentage gains here and there.
Posted on 25 Apr
Smarter at the Dock, Safer at Sea
How Upgrades Are Changing Cruising The service being offered by yacht manufacturers leaps forward every year - responding to a market which demands the highest quality in every aspect.
Posted on 25 Apr
2025 O'pen Skiff North American "Un-Regatta
More than seventy junior sailors from as far as Switzerland traveled to Pensacola More than seventy junior sailors from as far as Switzerland traveled to Pensacola Yacht Club to experience the O'pen Skiff "Un-Regatta" vibe.
Posted on 25 Apr
Transatlantic Race 2025 Preview
A North Atlantic adventure like no other The Transatlantic Race 2025 from the East Coast of the United States to the shores of the United Kingdom stands as one of sailing's most time-honored and demanding challenges.
Posted on 25 Apr
A+T Instruments 10th Anniversary Celebrations
"We set out to make the World's Best Yacht Instruments" Globally recognised yacht instruments company A+T Instruments is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year after a decade of successful growth by pushing the boundaries of quality and customer service.
Posted on 25 Apr
Is the Côte d'Azure set to deal a dose of déjà vu?
All set for the 52 SUPER SERIES 2025 season opener next week Teams from the 52 SUPER SERIES, the world's leading grand prix monohull circuit, have been hard at work through the winter and spring preparing for the 2025 season, technical updates giving way recently to on the water training.
Posted on 25 Apr
Ficker Cup sets stage for Congressional Cup
Eight international match racing teams prepare to do battle Eight international match racing teams will prepare to do battle at the Ficker Cup this weekend, 25-27 April, an official qualifying event of the World Match Racing Tour, hosted by the Long Beach Yacht Club.
Posted on 25 Apr