Two handicapped crews on the 2019 Tour of Finistère
For the first time in 2019, the Tour du Finistère à la voile welcomed two handicapped crews. Built around the Bretagne Handivalide team, the project allowed its members, licensed in different Breton clubs, to participate in the regattas with other able-bodied sailors. The sailors were spread over 2 CNTL boats, the half-toner Exigence and a Tortarolo 38 called El Duende, which in Spanish means both the korrigan and the transition to trance among flamenco dancers, a whole programme! An escort boat provided logistical support and transport of wheelchairs.
El Duende in the port of Concarneau
"Get out from between us"
Already racing in Mini-J, a small adapted sailboat equipped with a rudder system, the sailors wanted to go and see outside this circuit. " Our will was to do something other than just be with each other. In general, we compete on small single-handed sailing boats, but it's nice to sail together as a crew, an experience you can rarely have. " explains Jeannick. It is also an opportunity to communicate about disabled sailing and to energize it.
The Half-Tonner Requirement
Another way to navigate
If they are not new to sailing, the crew members were able to discover new aspects, at night or in strong winds. "We had to find small accommodations for everyone," says Chantal, who suffers from paraplegia. " We installed a plank between the benches at the back of the cockpit and velcro fasteners on each side so that I could get from one side to the other by myself and strap myself in. Thanks to this, I was able to steer in more than 40 knots of wind on the first day! I also did my first night sailing and went to the front of the boat to see the dolphins. "
The Tortarolo 38 El Duende
Safety on board
Although Gaël Le Cléac'h, race director, admits to having had a few cold sweats during the gale of the 1st stage of the Tour of Finistère 2019, he is happy with the welcome the crews received. "O n has been well received, and of course with goodwill. Gaël was careful to ensure that we had a place accessible to the pontoon and all the logistics" testifies Jeannick. Security is also always in the forefront. "It's full of little challenges, with lifts to get from the cabin to the cockpit for example. The important thing is that we are always vigilant with each other. "
