A debut in the 2016 Vendée Globe
Shortly before the last edition of the Vendée Globe, Manu approached the race directors to propose coverage of the event in the form of cartoons. The offer is declined, but Manu's work is noticed by Jean Le Cam: " In order to animate his participatory financing operation, he asks me to use some drawings."
The artist suggested that he could make others during the race. The alchemy takes between the public and Jean Le Cam, the talent and the pencil stroke of Manu will do the rest. Jean finished in 6th place and Manu brought out a collection entitled "Le Vendée Globe de Jean Le Cam en 80 jours et quelques inédits" (Jean Le Cam's Vendée Globe in 80 days and a few previously unpublished works), which sold nearly 2,000 copies.
A drawer of abers
Based in North Finistère, Manu is a press cartoonist specialising in the maritime world. The sea and sailors are at the heart of his work. After collaborating with the TV show Thalassa, hosted by Georges Pernoud, he created the cartoon festival "Jet d'encre", which takes place every summer in the Pagan country. The drawings are exhibited in shopfronts near the Aber Wrach and some of them are reproduced on tarpaulins visible in the streets of the communes.
Regularly cruising around Brittany, Manu had the opportunity to sail aboard Jean's IMOCA on several occasions.
A new collaboration on the 2020 Vendée Globe
After having covered the Transat Jacques Vabre 2019 raced by Jean and Nico Troussel, Manu will once again be following Jean's circumnavigation of the globe. But budgets are tight for the two accomplices. Jean does not have a title partner and the finances are tight.
The decision is made jointly to make a few sketches at the beginning of the race, and then to advise. After a few days of racing, Manu announces via a black and white drawing that he will no longer be able to cover the rest of Jean's Vendée Globe. The message was received by Jean's fans, who decided to launch a fund to help Manu with his daily drawings. It was a real success, as just two weeks after it was put online, half of the funds had already been raised (link at the bottom of the page).
Manu, who is not at the origin of this online collection, sees in it both a recognition for his work, but above all a real craze for Jean Le Cam's personality.
The breakfast ritual
Via his Facebook page "Manu fait son Vendée Gobe", the cartoonist puts a new drawing by Jean online every morning. He finds his inspiration via Jean's onboard videos, but also on the rankings, the geographical area, the weather or the "land" news.
Does Jean have time to look at all the drawings featuring him? "J don't think so, he's all in. But it'll give him some reading material when he gets back." adds Manu.
