Optimist 29, an association committed to nautical inclusion, works to make the sea accessible to all. Through solidarity initiatives and the forthcoming inauguration of its new catamaran, the Bag Ar Spi, it is demonstrating its commitment to accessibility.
A sea accessible to all
Since 2006, the Optimist 29 association has been working to break down the barriers of disability, social isolation and exclusion in the face of the accessibility of nautical media. In this way, it enables isolated or disabled people to sail in the Bay of Douardenez. "The maritime tool and the mix of passengers make it possible to mesh and crossbreed populations" explains one of the representatives of Optimist 29, highlighting the desire to create links between worlds that are sometimes far apart. Working in partnership with facilities such as EHPAD, senior residences and ESAT, the association is responding to a growing demand, filling the gap for those who would otherwise not have the opportunity to discover the sea.
Feedback from participants underlines the impact of these sea outings, as Chantal Delangle-Müller, President, explains: "I personally heard from an 84-year-old former sailor who told me how moved he was to be able to embark on a trip around Douarnenez Bay. He was very moved and had tears in his eyes."
Solidarity navigation
At the heart of their actions, a major initiative has been attracting attention for 14 years at the port of Tréboul - Douarnenez: Distro en Baie. A nautical solidarity event on land and at sea, offering a breath of salt air to over 1,200 people with reduced mobility, accompanied by their loved ones. "Initially, we had a few owner boats, but over the years, requests have exploded." emphasizes Chantal. Such is the success of the event that 9 to 11 boats join free of charge, responding instantly to calls from the association. In 2024, the event will take place from Tuesday May 14 to Friday May 17 inclusive.
With this positive dynamic in mind, after the departure of the Richard Marika, a 19-meter wooden boat, the association mobilized partners to launch the construction of its new flagship, a catamaran.
Building an adapted catamaran
In response to growing demand for sea outings, the association has begun building its new 4.50 m by 9.75 m aluminum catamaran, the Bag Ar Spi, at the Laïta-Sailing yard in Quimperlé. we voted unanimously, both for the price and for the quality of the work and the interest shown by the yard in our new project. The Bag Ar Spi will enable us to carry out many more outings from April to the end of September. Requests are already coming in" explains the president, demonstrating the relevance of this new nautical tool to increase the positive impact of Optimist 29 in Douardenez Bay.
"Bag ar Spi's key feature is easy boarding for people with reduced mobility" she continues. The catamaran will be able to accommodate up to 8 disabled people, thanks to its wheelchair-securing bridges, or 12 able-bodied people.
The Bag Ar Spi is equipped with two 80 hp outboard motors, giving a range of around 1h30 on outings. It is equipped with an awning to protect yachtsmen from weather conditions such as sun or rain. Some of the association's volunteer members, with professional experience in maritime navigation, hold their navigation license and are thus able to maneuver the boat without any problems. The launch is scheduled for March 25, 2024.
Upcoming projects
On April 12, 2024, Optimist 29 will hold a naming ceremony for the Bag Ar Spi. The event is eagerly awaited by the association, and will be attended by political figures, numerous financial partners and the association's 150 dedicated volunteers. Jean-Loup Thivet, Managing Director of fuel distributor Ys Blue, and a supporter of this adventure from the outset, has been honored with the role of boat godfather.
When asked about future projects, Optimist 29 expresses its interest in building new adapted boats: "Of course, if we could find other funding, we'd be up for the idea of building a new catamaran."
The success of Optimist 29's initiatives underlines the need to continue broadening the horizons of inclusive sailing. The Bag Ar Spi, the new flagship of this mission, promises to be the bridge between nautical passion and the reality of a sea accessible to all.
