“When the Sun Fast 30 One Design project was launched by the Yacht Club de France, I thought it was a fantastic idea that very much tied in with my own values,” explains Ludovic Gérard. “I’ve invested in the future and, given that my company Alwena Shipping is performing well, I’ve chosen to commit to a sponsorship programme geared towards young people. This initiative is also backed by other sponsors like Crowe-Ficorec and Stream, Avocats & Solicitors.” The structure has acquired one of the first boat from the series. Despite certain teething issues, these have now been resolved by Jeanneau, allowing the original project to proceed with a young, mixed crew. “We announced our call for applications on social networks and through Marseille’s schools and universities and we subsequently selected Clara Bayol and Charles Hénon. In our view, they seem the most at ease on the boat and their profiles are the most in line with our values so they are ideal Pure Ocean ambassadors.”

Aged 23 and 22, Clara and Charles know there is still a long way to go before they can apply for one of France’s two spots in the Mixed Offshore Double Handed World Championship for one-designs. The former is a young engineer, chemistry and biotechnology graduate, and double world champion match racer, while the latter, her helmsman, has a bachelor’s degree in marketing management and is a familiar face on the Hobie Cat 16, J70 and match racing podiums. Both know they’re on the right track. “It really is an incredible opportunity…!” raves the young female sailor. “I’ve learnt a huge amount in lots of different domains since the start of the year. In addition to the on-the-water training sessions, we also have access to the theoretical aspect of training, which ranges from weather to the use of navigation software, to how to make composite or resin, so you can repair just about anything at sea.” “It’s remarkable,” her co-skipper agrees. “It’s an epic adventure and a great opportunity for youngsters like us who have a background in inshore racing, to get a leg up into offshore racing and learn to project manage.”