Sailing as a therapy
Founded in 2017 and recognized as being of general interest, the association 30 days at sea was born under the impetus of Alpha Diakité. This officer in the army was engaged on the Afghan front in 2009. Suffering from post-traumatic stress, he managed to recover by relying on the support of his family, the institutional body and by practicing sailing.
In order to raise awareness and to help those who, like him, have been deeply transformed by their experiences, Alpha founded the association 30 jours de mer. The name of this initiative echoes Pierre Schoendoerffer's famous film, Le Crabe Tambour, symbolizing both strength and resilience.
Outings from Marseille
The association regularly organizes sea trips, welcoming at least five injured people every two weeks. Participants can book their place online, in coordination with their treating physician. This experience at sea, which usually takes place in the afternoon, allows the injured to leave the hospital environment and regain their self-esteem and confidence by practicing an outdoor activity, as Alpha explains:
" There are many similarities between a combat unit and a crew. Cohesion and group spirit are essential. A soldier belongs to a group, just as a sailor belongs to his crew. When a soldier is wounded and arrives at the hospital, he finds himself alone, separated from the friends with whom he has lived and shared strong things. Our objective is to heal him through the collective and to reintegrate comrades into a crew "
These privileged moments allow the injured to discover the rudiments of sailing, to develop their skills and to become familiar with the different aspects of navigation.
Beyond the educational aspect, these sea trips also provide a setting for social bonding and the exchange of experiences among participants. The injured can share their stories, support each other and find comfort in a community that understands their unique challenges and journeys.
The Mini Transat as a highlight
As part of his preparation for the Mini Transat, Alpha participates in the pre-season races and takes a friend along on the double-handed events.
" To embark on a Mini is a rather physical event. It is a support that allows friends, who are used to hurting themselves and to surpass themselves, to find their sensations. And beyond the physical aspect, it allows to see something beautiful. A sunrise off the coast, with dolphins, is beautiful. When your head is full of images of the front, it's good to see beautiful things. "
Proof of its validity, the association is supported by the nautical club of the Toulon Navy, but also the association of the "Gueules Cassées", Cap Gemini and Tego Military Insurance Solidarity. The final objective is to participate in the Mini Transat in order to highlight the needs of the association, which is still looking for additional funding.
But Alpha's primary goal is to re-ship military personnel injured in combat:
" When a participant tells you after a nav' that he thought he couldn't do anything more, it gives him the strength to develop the project to help other injured soldiers ".
