Adrien Wiot is a musician. But a musician who has another string on his cello: he sails! Since the age of 3 years ½, his parents have taken him on a cruise on the family Kelt 9. Now, at the age of 25, with a formation of professional musicians at the key, he sails on his own sailboat: the Zanzibar. It's a Kelt 8 ("When you love a brand, you stay loyal to it!").
"I found this second-hand sailboat in perfect condition, completely renovated, with a nice sail set and even an autopilot. I bought it for ?8,000. I couldn't leave such a case!" Zanzibar is based in Arzal during the winter and sails in South Brittany in the summer.
To combine his passion for music and sailing, Adrien had the idea of organizing a series of travelling concerts. With his trio called "Barque de Caron" composed of 3 friends from the music school, they plan a week of concert sailing in August 2017.
These three friends play baroque music: Kevin Bourdat and Adrien Wiot on cellos and Jonathan Funck on the theorbo (ancestor of the lute, a kind of 22-string guitar). Two dates have already been set for next summer: August 14, 2017 in Houat and August 16, 2017 in Saint Gildas du Rhuis.
The sailboat is used as accommodation and transport between concerts. The days are organized according to a tight schedule. Day 1: navigation, day 2: rehearsal on board, day 3: concert. And we do it again.
The rehearsals take place in the Kelt square. This sailboat is practical with its table that goes up on the bulkhead and completely clears the space between the berths. While sailing, the instruments are stored in the forward cabin.
But how do these sensitive instruments withstand the damp atmosphere of the sailboat? "We play on historical instruments. My cello, for example, dates back to 1910. These instruments are equipped with gut strings that do not tolerate drought. On land, a humidifier is installed in the instrument. We don't need it on board. On the other hand, you often have to tune to play fair."
Perhaps you will have the chance to meet them on a dock or at anchor this summer: "The most epic thing is the landing of our instruments in the tender! Sometimes, in the evening, we sit on the platform to rehearse and promote our concerts.
