OBJECTIVE: Mediterranean Sea

M002 - Entraînement au large de la Baule-Pornichet, le 24/06/02. Crédit photo Joël Chaumoître, Studio Contact, La Baule.

Raphaëla and her team are actively preparing the crossing of the Mediterranean Sea on a sailboard, solo and without assistance as a prologue to the Pacific adventure planned in 2003.

Why would you cross the Mediterranean Sea?

« The discovery of the Mediterranean Sea
is also a beautiful sea story… »

After more than a year of training and the building of a new board, Raphaëla and her team decided to cross the Mediterranean Sea from Marseille to Tunis for several reasons:

• the first one is to navigate in full autonomy under the real conditions of her future Pacific crossing.
• it will be a world première: the first crossing of the Mediterranean Sea on a sailboard, solo, by a woman,
• to develop the relationship with existing partners and to build a new one with future partners.

The arrival at Tunis or its neighborhood is expected between 10 to 15 days later. It depends on the winds that are highly unpredictable in the Mediterranean Sea.

THE ROAD MAP

Raphaëla will leave Marseille with good meteorological conditions over 3-4 days.

The ideal departure dates was set up on Sunday July 21st.

The road planned is North-South, passing West of Corsica and Sardaigna, then heading East toward Tunis.

This is the road of Florence Arthaud's record that Steve Fosset broke recently on Playstation.

It represents around 500 nautical milles (900 km) that Raphaëla intends to cover in 10-15 days if winds are favorable.

PARTNERS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA CROSSING

Raphaëla carries the "Bravo l'Industrie" logo.

"Bravo l'Industrie" is a ten year old operation developed for the French Industry by UIMM (the Metallurgy Industries and Jobs Union) to promote and to improve the brand awareness of industries with young generations. As such, it offers:

• An update on the evolution and news of the french industry and job offers.

• Insights and tools to make professional choices, and to build a career in accordance with industries values and missions.

The industries and Raphaëla met together for this adventure. Human know-how and technological requirements to meet such challenge are beyond the norms. Several operators and technicians innovated, built processes and adapted prototype materials to make it happen.

M001 - Entraînement au large de la Baule-Pornichet, le 24/06/02. Crédit photo Joël Chaumoître, Studio Contact, La Baule.

In addition, associated schools to the project follow the implementation of the project. They will benefit in their courses (including French literature, Mathematics, Physics, Technology...) from the live experience of a seasoned sea expert.

Following on the Atlantic crossing in 2000 that already told the story of a "local woman on a sailboard and the sea," the Regional Brittany Council and all Brittany are also part of the Mediterranean adventure.

Several technical partners participate in the project as well:

• NISSAN France, the official partner for transportation provided the new 4x4 "X-Trail" to drive the equipment South. It will then embark on a ferryboat for the Marseille - Tunis round trip.

• NEIL PRYDE, the official partner for the windsurfing gears, in particular rigging, harnesses, wetsuits... designed and built for Raphaëla five sails of five different sizes from 4.2 to 7.4m_ in monofilm weft to deal with different Mediterranean conditions. Masts and whisbones are in carbon and aluminum, the top of the line. This crossing will be the perfect test for this kind of sails.

• E.T.N.A. provides Raphaëla with all communication equipment: IRIDIUM satellite telephone, V.H.F. and a Sasat-Cospas beacon for her safety.

• KNORR BIVOUAC supplies Raphaëla with dehydrated meals to maintain her physically at the top. Meals are cooked and salted and include some desserts. Bivouac is the name of a product line dedicated to individuals that practice sport in nature at a high level, or under extreme conditions.

• The base camp to accommodate Raphaëla and her team at Roucas Blanc Municipal Center is provided by the City of MARSEILLE.

• GUY COTTEN supplies the sportswear. Raphaëla and her team will wear the "Nautica," a sophisticated nautical watch jacket.

To become a partner, please click here.

THE WIND ODYSSEY TEAM IN PLACE

All the team is in place for the first crossing of the Mediterranean Sea:

• Pierre-Yves Guillemot and Hélène Chevreuil are the two doctors that follow Raphaëla. Hélène Chevreuil organized the diet program followed by Raphaëla.

• Françoise Lecourtois is both trainer and coach. The physical preparation of Raphaëla was intensive from September 2000 to summer 2002. It paid off well and Raphaëla possesses today an Olympic form.

• Jean-Claude Belot has been following Raphaëla every weeks to work on her articulations.

• Guy Saillard designed, built and supervised the board for today's adventure. Following on the Atlantic challenge, he handles the road map of Raphaëla via regular telephone calls. Because the meteorological conditions of the Mediterranean Sea change quickly, famous meteorologist Pierre LASNIER (MeteoMer) assists him.

• Anne Henri le Gouvello is President of the Wind Odyssey association. With treasurer Hélène André and Guy Saillard, they manage all the logistical support.

• From Hickory agency, we find Anne Combier, Associated Director of Sport and Marc Bloch, Project Manager. They coordinate the whole operation, manage partners' relationships, and handle Public Relations.

• Bleu Iroise through Sea Events take care of the video coverage of the crossing.

• Famous sea photographer Gilles Martin-Raget takes the pictures.

Regular updates online will take place in "Point du Jour" section both from Raphaëla and her team on land.

The board is ready, equipment and Raphaëla are at the top.

The only missing element is the departure date. Previously scheduled on Sunday 21st, Raphaëla should now leave in the middle of the following week.