A well thought-out project
After thinking about this project for a long time, Benjamin Doyen, a technical salesman in the nautical industry, launched himself on the Mini circuit in the summer of 2019. As a reminder, the Mini Transat is a single-handed transatlantic race that is raced on 6.50 m sailing boats. A true antechamber of ocean racing, it has enabled dozens of skippers to gain their first experience in ocean racing. A majority of the Vendée Globe skippers have made their mark on the Mini circuit.
An obstacle course known to many skippers
To sail, you need a boat. Impossible to attract partners if the project is not already in place. So Benjamin bought the mini 618, a Finot proto from 2006, from his own funds, which passed into the hands of Isabelle Joschke.
After having advanced 45,000 euros for the purchase of the boat, Benjamin set up the tools to find sponsors: " After creating my website, I got into digital communication and digital media. I didn't make paper brochures or flyers. Social networks are an indispensable tool. Via Faebook, I debriefed by video each of my regattas so that more people could enjoy them. "
What's the budget for two seasons in mini?
The figures vary greatly, depending on the type of boat chosen, proto or series. " As far as I'm concerned, my operating budget for two seasons is 40,000 euros, which allows me to remain "safe" in the technical management of the boat. This budget allows me to maintain optimum levels of competitiveness and safety", says Benjamin. And to find this budget, there is no miracle solution: you have to activate the pro and personal networks, near or far.
Gaufor, a SME that is reflected in the values of the Mini
And it works! A first partner shows interest in joining Benjamin's project. But the confinement reshuffles the cards and the agreement does not come to fruition. It's a bit of an emotional lift. Benjamin starts looking for a financial partner again and takes up his pilgrim's staff again. It is finally word of mouth that will finally give him a boost. The Gaufor company, managed by Ronan Gauducheau, hears about the project on the pontoons of La Rochelle.
Ronan doesn't sail, but is interested in this sporting environment that conveys values similar to those he has established in his company. An appointment is made between Benjamin and Ronan to discuss the project, near the boat. Ronan's company is based near Paris, but has just opened a branch in La Rochelle.
It is involved in geotechnical drilling, soil studies and environmental impacts. Gaufor recently conducted a study of the foundations of the Saint-Nicolas tower in La Rochelle. " Becoming a sponsor of a Mini is above all based on the exchange between the manager and the skipper. The context is rather promising for offshore racing projects. The Vendée Globe has a great aura and this edition has beaten all its audience and visibility records. The success of Virtual Regatta also played a big part in the media exposure of our sport among the general public", adds Benjamin.
" I run a small business with 15 employees. I am constantly solicited to participate in sports tournaments or associations, but I have not always found myself in these projects. In the image of the Mini spirit, I am trying to bring down the values of friendship and conviviality. We want to be in the place of these fade-outs", says Ronan.
And to add: " Regarding my project presentation within my team of collaborators, Benjamin will come to meet them to discuss the project. Those who want to can even come and sail on the boat ." This first sponsor doesn't cover all of Benjamin's operating budget, but it's the first one that's harder to find, and it'll bring other potential supporters into the spotlight. " To this day, the best salesman of my project remains my main sponsor, who talks about it a lot around him."
What's on your agenda for the coming months?
"After a winter refit during which I took over all the boat's components and changed the bearings of the pivoting keel, I should be back in the water by the end of February 2021. We have to salute the dynamism of the Mini class, which has managed to maintain the racing calendar and allow us to validate our qualifying miles."
"I alternate between the work site, exchanges with the training centre and physical preparation. Our trainer, Julien Pulvé, coaches us during the week and sometimes at the weekend. I also have to complete my qualifying course between the Isle of Ré and Ireland. Then we're going to follow two major races: the Transgascogne and the Mini Fastnet, which will serve as a warm-up tour before the start of the Transat, which will take place in October 2021"
