How did you come up with the idea of a world tour?
It was a kid's dream. I thought it was impossible to do financially. Divorced for about 4 years, I met Mélanie 3 years ago and I quickly told her about my project to sail around the world. She dreamt a little bit about it without thinking it was possible. She agreed and I told myself I couldn't turn down a project like that. We started documenting ourselves a year and a half ago, knowing where we were going, looking at the boats..
Our case is a bit special since we are a blended family and we needed the green light from the girls' dad to leave. During the journey, they will make 5 round trips in alternate guard. Especially during major crossings - like the Pacific where there are about 30 days of sailing - where they will not be with us.
At the pontoons, we met many retired people who would have liked to sail around the world and who are no longer able today, because it is too physical. From a certain age, it is much more complicated. It's also physical to sail like that for a year. We didn't want to regret it. After that, there are risks too. I'm not saying it's easy to do. For example, I quit my business, I'll lose my customers and I'll have to put everything back when I get back. But if we can't get out of our comfort zone, we can't start the adventure. You have to take a little risk once in a while.
How will girls' schooling go?
The training by the CNED was complicated to set up so we made a direct arrangement with the headmaster of the school, a veil that supports us in our project. We will see the school program, which they will follow when we are at sea and they will return to school during the year to continue their schooling.
We will also make small reports so that they can take them back to school. On the marine environment, turtle care, plankton sampling... This project is also a time to share with the school, with the mistresses, other parents. In the classroom, they will install a map to follow our route.
And what do they think of living on board?
They like it. The cabins are a bit like cabins for them. Everything's a bit their size. They make hammocks, shacks with towels. They're super comfortable, they love it. This is not the first time they have been taken to sea. What you'll have to get used to are the night shifts. The children sleep through the night so it will be necessary to juggle between the fatigue of the watches and life on board with the children.
Today we're in a hurry about school, timing. On a boat everything is in slow motion. There are fewer rules about the weather, sleeping hours, meals... it will be much cooler for everyone.
They will also be able to give their feelings, share their wonder..
