Four months after beginning training and more than a year after the christening of the VO’60 by Thomas Coville during the Lorient stopover of the Volvo Ocean Race, Team Jolokia takes the start of the Rolex Fastnet Race, in Cowes, South England. On board, twelve crewmembers with very different backgrounds: paraplegic, blind, beginner, young or senior are all a strength for the team. A first in the world of offshore sailing. During this first season, the Team has devoted itself to showing that difference doesn’t hinder performance but on the contrary, that it is indeed a strength. A busy year that will end during a race that is both legendary and emblematic. The start is on the 11th of August for a human and sportive challenge, on an international stage.
Difference is a strength
Made up of a crew that no one would like to be theirs «on paper», Team Jolokia considers diversity as a genuine value. The crewmembers have been recruited according to their capabilities but also taking into account their originalities that add value to the group. The VO’60 is sailed by a diverse group: old and young, male and female, handicapped or not, from different social backgrounds,… Olivier, blind for ten years will sail with Pénélope, a 25 year-old beginner. Benoît G. who grew up in the suburbs of Paris will sail along with Benoit D. a commercial lawyer with a strong racing experience. For the past six months, the crew members have learned to live and work together, sharing the same goal: achieving the best result and showing that they can compete with the best. From race to race, starting with the Tour de Belle-Ile to Cowes-Dinard race, their performance improved.
The Rolex Fastnet Race, a legendary race
From the onset of the project, the Team’s objective was clear: to take this diverse crew to the start line of the Rolex Fastnet Race, and to round the famous Irish rock. “For our uncommon crew this is the most important race of the season, the highlight of this first year. We trained very hard to be on the starting line”, says Eric, skipper. 608 nautical miles, the longest race to date for Team Jolokia. The course is often subject to tough meteorological conditions, which makes it a challenging race even for a VO’60. This boat, formerly used on the Volvo Ocean Race, is one of the tallest in the Rolex Fastnet Race. The boat, powerful and extreme, is challenging for amateurs and professionals alike. 300 boats will take part to the race. Amongst them, the most prestigious include the Maxi Trimaran Spindrift 2, the VO’70 Abu Dhabi and Team SCA and the Artemis Ocean Racing IMOCA. Team Jolokia will also compete against its usual challenger the VO’60 Pleomax.
This race is a dream coming true for some of the crewmembers: “Just after getting home from the Record SNSM, the staff called to inform me that I was going to be part of the crew for the famous Fastnet Race. I wept like a baby! Because I know that it will be even more extreme emotionally… and because I am both happy and proud to be part of and to succeed in a beautiful project. To do the Fastnet on a VO’60, it is truly exceptional”, says Daniel. The challenge is big on this last race of the season.
A Project followed by the French major Medias
Since the selection process in autumn 2012 and during all the races in 2013, the Team’s adventure was followed and filmed by GEDEON Programmes. A 30 min documentary will be broadcasted in the “Reportages” section of TF1, a major national TV channel, that has committed itself to promoting diversity and equal opportunities, and that has supported the project for many years. Another partner, Voiles et Voiliers magazine, closely follows the crew’s progression.
As a result the Team’s work touches the lives of more and more people. It is indeed quite surprising to hear about a VO’60 crew made up of a blind man, a paraplegic, a 25 year-old woman inexperienced in sailing… On the Rolex Fastnet Race, Eric, Olivier, Benoit D, Lucas, Benoît G, Laurent, Mathilde, Pénélope, Pierre, Gaël, David and Daniel will once again proudly wear the colours of diversity.
A new crew for 2014
For the 2014 season, the Team launches a new selection process open to all: beginners or experienced sailors, from any country… The candidates will be able to apply on the Team’s website. Team Jolokia continues to deliver its message by promoting diversity through its work while fighting discriminations.
