The first Kiss finished at Lycée Pierre Guégin in Concarneau
Launched in 2022, the Kiss project, for Keep It Smart and Simple, supported by Les Glénans, combines the design of a minimalist boat with its manufacture in high schools to spread sailing and boatbuilding. After the prototype was developed in biocomposites in the workshops of the famous sailing school, we were able to test this small trimaran-pirogue, which is as comfortable sailing as it is paddling a rascal of the 2020s, according to the program drawn up between Les Glénans and architect Hervé Penfornis.
Shortly afterwards, the second phase of the project was launched in schools, with the financial support of the French government, the Glénans Avenir endowment fund and various private and public sponsors, with 10 high schools selected in mainland France and overseas. With its marine carpentry section, the Lycée Pierre Guéguin in Concarneau, next door to Les Glénans, served as a guinea pig for an adapted version, using plywood and epoxy instead. After 2 years of educational work, it was time to celebrate the boat's presentation on April 10, 2024.
Finishes beyond expectations
If they've spent many hours on it, the marine carpentry students have every reason to be proud of their work, with a trimaran that looks great. The congratulations of François Gabart, whose MerConcept company infused the floats, are there to confirm it. Looking back, they realize the work done by the two CAP classes: "In the beginning, we didn't really realize the challenge, especially after the two half-hulls we made the first year. We thought we'd have the time, but in the end, the last few weeks, we were at it evenings and weekends. We're all even more keen to work with real wood, but it also gives us knowledge of vacuum infusion, epoxy... At least we know how. And then we were able to do things like add veneers. Our teacher used to tell us, if you've got ideas, go for it. It was a happy medium between learning and having fun."
Anticipating the boat of the future and inspiring people to get out on the water
Pascal Barbotte, the teacher in charge of the Charpente Marine section, is also smiling, seeing the project as a welcome opening for his students: "They gave it their best shot. It's nice to get to the end of the project and make a boat from scratch, because they usually do repairs. It puts them right at the heart of the business, and is a real-life experience that opens up their minds. What if the boat of tomorrow was made of wood, traditional method or not? It's a rich exchange with the students and the architect."
Guillaume Voizard of Les Glénans sums up the project's philosophy: "The boat is magnificent. It's a pleasure to see how happy the young people are to have done it. It never hurts to tell great stories and have fun!"
For all of them, a single sentence brought the discussion to a close: "Can't wait to sail!"
