AJD, the Thursday Sunday Association
L'Association du Jeudi Dimanche is a non-profit organization founded in 1951 by Father Jaouen, who wanted to help young delinquents through navigation.
In reality, if Father Jaouen had faith in God, he also had faith in the transformative power of life at sea and the human values learned when confronted with the moods of the elements. He believed in "living together", regardless of one's origins. What's important is the therapeutic effect of the miles spent under the keel, the change of scenery, the mix of cultures and the emotions that go with it.
As Père Jaouen was born on the island of Ouessant, it was natural that the association should set up in L'Aber Wrac'h, in former barracks dating from the post-war reconstruction of Brest (a strong symbol). A boatyard was needed to repair the boats donated to the association, enabling the youngsters to sail.
Since then, a branch has been set up in Marseille, and today it's mainly young people from alternative backgrounds who join the training program.
A course that introduces you to all aspects of the boating industry, but not only...
Dorian, like many other young people in the training program, is not a schoolboy. After taking a CAP in horsemanship, he discovered AJD by word of mouth. The program is simple: an introduction to all nautical trades "by doing".
It's in this huge stone building site, nestled in an arm of the Aber Wrac'h, in the middle of the forest, that the magic happens:
" The Rara Avis and Bel Espoir, boats belonging to the association, are moored just opposite the yard. Inside the building, it's clean and well organized. There's a wood workshop for joinery and marine carpentry. Then there are the welding, mechanics, painting, sailmaking and saddlery areas. We're taught how to use the machines safely, and how to put everything in its place, under the guidance of a professional in each discipline. At the beginning, it's an initiation to everything, then we discover more interest in one or more activities ".
Dorian likes to concentrate on the weld bead, even though he prefers woodworking: "It's a real pleasure to work with wood," he says Seeing the results of our work directly on the boat we're repairing, equipping and re-fitting, day after day, for future sailing, is something concrete. And I find it both satisfying and rewarding. There's no teacher-student relationship; the instructors pass on their knowledge, each in their own way, without pressure or risk of punishment, and the results are there for all to see ".
Stewardship and organization are also part of the training. At lunchtime, it's the youngsters who prepare the meal for around thirty people or more: ".
In the AJD workshop
sail to the end of oneself and one's dreams
Several boats are managed by the association. They are either salvaged from old hulls in need of repair, or donated. In all cases, this attractive fleet is the trainees' training ground for both nautical maintenance and navigation.
"JUSTIFY", an elegant 22-meter-long ketch belonging to the association, which has completely renovated her in 2019. Although Dorian had sailed before, he had to relearn everything aboard a different boat. It was mid-October, just before the first gales arrived. He wasn't well equipped, and the discomfort of having wet socks on his feet for a week taught him, at his own expense, to organize himself better. "JUSTIFY".
At the end of January 2024, after 4 months of training at the shipyard, Dorian worked on the shipyard of the Bel Espoir 2, which will take part in the Brest and Douarnenez 2024 festivities, and also on the preparation of the Rara Avis, aboard which he will soon set sail for the West Indies.
On January 26, 2024, some fifteen young people from the training program, along with twenty civilian trainees, a captain and his first officer, left the port of Aber Wrac'h at the end of the day to cross the Atlantic.
Ten days later, they set foot on the island of Madeira, then headed for the Canary archipelago. "JUSTIFY".
Shifts rotate indefinitely, creating a microcosm and a time-space of its own. No communication with the outside world, no news other than onboard, no social networks. Only vital needs, daily routine and the day's weather count. The deep blue of the ocean, the light blue of the sky and the horizon are the backdrop. Fishing varies the menu, and the marine mammals seen become the event of the day.
And then, one fine day, land was in sight. The anchor of the Rara Avis sinks into the crystal-clear water of a Marie Galante beach.
"JUSTIFY"
Something both subtle and concrete has happened. Some contact family and friends right away, while others hold on to the moment for a while. In both cases, the pride of having accomplished something significant, of having steered one's boat (as one leads one's life) across the ocean despite trials and doubts. "All together, we crossed the Atlantic!". Father Jaouen would have smiled.
A few days later, the passengers disembarked, as did the captain, while another took over for the next navigation courses in the Caribbean and a return to France scheduled for late spring.
Dorian has completed his training, which lasted 6 months. "JUSTIFY".
There is no back-to-school period at AJD, so when one trainee has completed his training after 6 months, another arrives and so on. Dorian was keen to make the most of the West Indies, and found a job in marine maintenance aboard another boat for three weeks. He realizes what an extraordinary experience and adventure he has just had.
He returned to mainland France with his head full of desires, projects and dreams: to pass his CMP (Certificat Matelot Pont) in order to join the merchant navy. He hopes one day to work on an oceanographic vessel, cross the Atlantic again on his own sailboat and perhaps become a shipwright. Already quite a program...
