Boris Diaw’s Seafaring Life: From Basketball Star to Yachtmaster
Former basketball star Boris Diaw has traded the court for the open sea, embarking on a remarkable journey of exploration and self-discovery aboard his own catamaran. Diaw’s passion for the sea ignited later in life, truly taking hold when he settled on the Arcachon Bay in 2007. Though he lived in Bordeaux prior, it was this move that allowed him to fully embrace the ocean’s offerings.
Diaw’s initial foray into maritime life involved a simple semi-rigid boat, perfect for day trips on the bay. His desire to be on the water grew rapidly, fueled by simple pleasures like fishing and relaxing on sandbanks with friends. Simultaneously, he developed a passion for scuba diving. As his basketball career neared its end, Diaw envisioned a future filled with travel, new discoveries, and meaningful encounters. He realized that a boat was the perfect vehicle for realizing this dream, granting access to the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
The Allure of the Catamaran
Diaw’s introduction to catamarans came during a diving excursion in Martinique on a well-equipped boat named Aliotis. Subsequent cruises on Lagoon 450s, spanning the Mediterranean from Hyères to Corsica and the Antilles, solidified his belief that a catamaran was the ideal platform for his new life. These experiences led him to envision a boat that could serve as a mobile diving center.
His search for the perfect vessel led him to Lagoon, a Bordeaux-based manufacturer. Initially drawn to the Lagoon 620, he discovered the company was developing an even larger model: the Seventy 7, a 77-foot catamaran. This was precisely what he needed for his round-the-world voyage, complete with extensive diving equipment. Diaw followed the project closely and became one of the first owners to embrace the Seventy 7.
Becoming a Skipper
Recognizing the need for expertise, Diaw pursued formal training. He started with coastal navigation in the Mediterranean before tackling transatlantic voyages and extensive sailing in the Antilles. To achieve complete autonomy, he completed an intensive course and earned a Yachtmaster certification.
Currently in the Tuamotu Islands, Diaw is serving as the skipper of his own boat for the first time. With the regular captain on vacation, he seized the opportunity to take the helm. Thanks to his accumulated experience, everything is proceeding smoothly. While the Seventy 7 is relatively easy to maneuver, its size demands careful consideration before each action. The main challenge in the Tuamotus is navigating the passes and currents, a task Diaw is managing successfully.
“It’s a boat on which you have to anticipate, especially in docking maneuvers which are always a bit stressful for me.”
Managing a large vessel requires constant attention to hydraulics, electronics, and plumbing. Regular maintenance is essential, but Diaw feels truly at home on his boat.
Unforgettable Moments at Sea
Diaw has accumulated countless memorable experiences on board. In the Mediterranean, the Kornati Islands and the Aeolian Islands remain favorites. Stromboli, with its active volcano, provided an unforgettable anchorage. His first transatlantic crossing is etched in his memory.
The Antilles offer numerous stunning anchorages. The Panama Canal, with its extraordinary engineering and meticulous organization, was another highlight. His longest voyage to date, a transpacific crossing from Panama to Tahiti, took 35 days. A return trip from New Zealand to Polynesia, via the Austral Islands, presented challenging head seas and uncomfortable conditions. Despite these challenges, Diaw cherishes his years at sea.
Looking Ahead: Around the World
Diaw is extremely satisfied with his boat. He believes it’s the ideal size for sailing with a crew. Without a crew, he would opt for a smaller vessel. He is particularly interested in advancements in energy autonomy, such as new batteries and solar panels, to reduce reliance on generators.
His boat is well-equipped for diving, but he desires a larger tender. Currently, he is limited by the boat’s width and the tender’s weight.
Having spent six months a year on board for the past seven years, Diaw has accumulated over three years of actual time at sea. Starting from France, he is now in Polynesia, with numerous coastal voyages and round trips. While he hasn’t calculated the exact mileage since obtaining his Yachtmaster, it is considerable. His goal is to complete a circumnavigation of the globe.
The next major leg will take him to Australia via the Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji, and New Caledonia, followed by Papua New Guinea, Micronesia, and Indonesia. As a diving enthusiast, he plans to visit Sri Lanka and the Maldives. He will decide whether to return via the Red Sea or the southern route after exploring the Indian Ocean.
The Next Adventure
Currently on board, Diaw’s last navigation was just hours ago, and his next is scheduled for tomorrow. He is anchored off Kauehi Island and will depart for Fakarava in the morning. His next “big” navigation is planned for April, when he will sail from Polynesia to Australia.
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