A Tearful Farewell Marks the Start of a Three-Year Global Sailing Odyssey
With arms laden with croissants and baguettes, the rally team made their rounds on the pontoons at dawn, offering a final “French breakfast” to the sailors. Between hurried sips of coffee, the sailors finalized their preparations and provisioning, aware that the adventure ahead would last not just a weekend, but three years around the globe.
At midday, the mooring lines were cast off amidst the gazes of families, friends, and employees of Grand Large Yachting. Some Outremer owners even took to the sea specifically to escort the fleet for the first few miles. In an emotionally charged atmosphere, the flags slowly drifted away from La Grande Motte, heading towards Tangier for a first stopover planned in a few weeks. Seven other boats will join them there, before the rest of the participants meet in Lanzarote in mid-November for the official start.
Meticulous Preparation Over Months
The emotion felt on Monday was also due to the fact that this departure is the culmination of long months of preparation. Registered for the most part two years ago, the crews followed a comprehensive program designed by Grand Large Yachting.
It all began with a series of regular webinars: lists of spare parts, crew organization, search for teammates… so many concrete topics addressed online to punctuate the stages of the project. Then, in April, the World Odyssey University brought together the participants in Lorient for an intense week dedicated to safety, maintenance, and life on board. A key moment to forge bonds and benefit from the experience of sailors returning from the first rally.
These former participants, from the GLYWO 500, also made sure to pass on their advice until the pre-departure from La Grande Motte, reassuring the newcomers and sharing anecdotes and best practices. Finally, many crews chose to complete their preparation with Escale Formation Technique, the group’s training center, by following specialized modules such as “Engine Maintenance”, “Safety and Survival at Sea” or even “Medical Long Cruise”.
Three Years Around the World
The World Odyssey 25 is not a regatta, but a human and maritime adventure: a world tour punctuated by technical stopovers and offshore crossings. Three years of navigation that will really begin at the end of November in Lanzarote, when the entire fleet sets sail for the Atlantic.
On the quays of La Grande Motte, the emotion has already set the tone: more than a rally, it is a community of sailors that is setting off, driven by the desire to discover the world… and to share it.
Key Insights:
- Extensive Preparation: Crews underwent rigorous training, including webinars and workshops, to prepare for the three-year journey.
- Community Focus: The event emphasizes community building among sailors, fostering a supportive environment for sharing knowledge and experiences.
- Global Adventure: The World Odyssey 25 is designed as a journey of discovery, balancing technical challenges with the exploration of diverse cultures and landscapes.
“More than a rally, it’s a community of sailors setting off, driven by the desire to discover the world… and to share it.”
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