François Guiffant was introduced to sailing at an early age. With a passion for this world, in which he has been involved for over 25 years, he has become a recognized professional in the world of ocean racing, both as a technician and as a navigator. A keen racer, he has cut his teeth with the best Mini and Figaro crews, and is now racking up the miles on extreme types of craft. Today, François is at the helm of IMOCA PARTAGE as part of a partnership with several organizations that place people at the heart of concrete actions. A true human adventure, the project brings on board partners and associations who share common values and work for environmental and societal causes.
There are several. First of all, we're going to have to get back into "solo mode" after a whole year sailing double-handed and before the year ahead. Back to Base is a must! It'll be really good to get back into solo mode, on a very tough race, as there's never anything easy about crossing the North Atlantic at this time of year!
And it's going to be just as intensive for the boat as it is for me, especially as she's the oldest in the fleet. It's going to be quite a challenge, and I'm going to do everything I can to make sure she's in good condition when she arrives in Fort-de-France, but also in Lorient. If we don't break something, it's going to be vital for a good start to the following year. The challenge will be to know where to place the cursor during the race, without forgetting all these parameters.
When you're sailing solo, you can't rely on anyone! You have to make all the choices on your own and it's a different way of managing the boat, also taking into account your state of fatigue. After that, I think it's quite natural to go solo again, as reflexes quickly return. But it's almost more comfortable to do it the other way round: start with single-handed sailing before moving on to double-handed (laughs)!
We're a small structure, with a project on a human scale, so I'm fully involved in everything to do with the boat. I know I'll have to lend a hand to get her ready for our arrival in Martinique. Of course, it all depends on the boat's condition after the Transat Jacques Vabre. But whatever happens, I'll be helping out so that we can set off again in the best possible conditions. It would have been nice to stay in Martinique for a month to recuperate... But I have no doubt that it's going to be a great challenge!
2022
Route du Rhum - 31st
Name: PARTAGE
Architect: Marc Lombard
Building: 2004, JMV, Cherbourg
Old names: SILL 2, SILL et VEOLIA, VEOLIA Environnement, VE 1, NEUTROGENA, SAVEOL, ETHICAL POWER, VIVO A BEIRA, KATTAN
Lenght: 18,28m
Beam: 5,50m
Draught: 4,50m
Weight:9 tons
Mast height: 29m
Mast type: Wing-mast
Foils: no
Upwind: 270 m²
Downwind: 380 m²
OCIRP FOUNDATION
Ocirp, a non-profit association of provident institutions with partial governance, has made a commitment to François Guiffant. As part of this support, Ocirp, which protects employees and their families against death and loss of autonomy, has chosen to highlight its commitment to supporting the independent living of its beneficiaries, over and above its pensions and social action. Ocirp wishes to give visibility to the action of its Corporate Foundation.
It supports national initiatives to guarantee families' autonomy in the face of orphanhood, bereavement, disability and loss of independence. The Corporate Foundation works at the heart of families to reinforce equal rights and opportunities, enabling everyone to realize their life project.
Committed to independence!
ICRB
The ICRB is a treatment and care facility for patients with all types of cancer, which also promotes clinical research. Through its two sites in the Ile-et-Vilaine region and its 110-strong teams, the establishment is committed to ensuring access to care for all, quality of care, continuity of care, humanization of patient care and support for patients-family-caregivers.
2B2M
The 2BDM agency is a unique structure, born of the merger of four agencies of chief architects of historic monuments, combining their skills in the service of heritage. The team brings together architects, art historians, engineers, construction economists, landscape architects and an administrative team. It specializes in the restructuring and rehabilitation of old buildings, whether or not they require contemporary intervention. Today, the agency employs around 70 people and regularly collaborates with leading players in the field, keen to draw on the best skills to understand buildings in all their complexity.
