Under the watchful eye of Philippe Renaudet, at the initiative of this original project, around twenty volunteers are working hard with their hearts, “proud to participate in such a project” as evidenced by Michel, a retired engineer who, for nothing in the world, does not “wanted to miss this”. He adapts the measurements of the plans and transmits them to his friends. There is also Gérard, this journeyman carpenter who has come to lend a hand two days a week for the past month. “Good ones are always welcome, even the day before! » notes Philippe Renaudet with a smile. The companion says to himself “Impressed to see what the other volunteers managed to accomplish, even though it wasn't their job. »
It is for him a “unique project” but also a “great human adventure, the people are endearing, I’m happy to spend time there.” We room with affection. “Philippe, technically, he's not great, but to bring people together, hats off! » laughs Michel. Proof of this extraordinary enthusiasm: all these volunteers from the surrounding area but also from Bordeaux, Angers, Nantes, Cholet, Saint-Nazaire, La Rochelle and Noirmoutier, are up early to arrive at the site at 7:30 a.m. “It’s nice, isn’t it? » enthuses Philippe Renaudet about his success.
Like a child amazed by his toy? “I rather have the feeling of duty accomplished, the soul of the soldier who fulfills the mission, whatever the trials.” Would we have taken this enthusiast for a madman? “What is crazy is not the idea, but rather our inability to imagine that it is possible to dare, to undertake, or to find our capacity to realize our ideas” replies the president of the Drakkar de Vendée association.
“We can also find them at Puy du Fou! »
The motivation of this Choletais attached to the History of France in general, and that of Vendée in particular, is intact. Why the Vikings? Because the land of Vendée has seen their passage, “We can also find them at Puy du Fou! » Noirmoutier, Saint-Philbert-de-Bouaine, Luçon, Fontenay-le-Comte, but also Talmont-Saint-Hilaire and Sables-d'Olonne suffered the invasions of these men from the North, leaving behind stones or pieces of wood authenticated as so many vestiges.
Philippe Renaudet was keen to carry out this project in Vendée precisely. “Because Vendée, a department bordered by the Atlantic, is the France that I love for its true values, its good collective and hardworking spirit”. In 2021, he was able to convince 70 partners and raise a budget of 700,000 euros (94% private funds – 6% public funds) to accomplish his ambitious project. 736 linear meters of planks, fixed by 7,360 copper rivets, and 30,000 hours of meticulous work later, the Drakkar imposes its proud appearance.
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Pride is in order: it represents the largest French associative boat project, 100% voluntary; and the work is the first sailboat in Vendée by its size, and the second in the Pays de la Loire after the Belem! “It’s classy”welcomes those who want to prove “that we can build beautiful things together. When everyone is walking in the same direction, it works well. » Because in addition to the association's volunteers, this project has attracted visitors – up to 400 per day -, businesses, communities but also schools for internships or educational projects.
“Everyone did or gave at their own level” he details, listing the participation of the Tabarly high school in Sables-d'Olonne, the École supérieure du bois de Nantes, the Military Vocational Training Center in Fontenay-le-Comte, and the Edmon Doucet vocational high school near Cherbourg. , as well as journeymen and apprentice journeymen: “This major project mobilized civilians as well as military personnel, professional certificates and engineers. »
This beautiful baby of 18 tonnes – empty (25 fully loaded) -, 23.50 meters long and 5.30 meters wide, was blessed, maritime tradition requires, on November 2, by Monseigneur François Jacolin, bishop of Luzon. It is named after Olaf d'Olonne, in homage to Saint Olaf, the first king of Norway to have been baptized a thousand years ago in Rouen. Each patron will have their logo redesigned in the style of the Vikings on a shield which will adorn the ship.
The ship has four prestigious sponsors: the academic Jean Renaud – “one of the greatest specialists in the world of longships, it was he who found the book containing the plans for this boat in a German bookstore”; the ex-hostage of the Ponant, the captain of the Charcot Patrick Marchesseau – “he will hold the helm on the day of the start of the Vendée Globe” ; the Norwegian Ambassador to France Niels Engelschiøn – “a remarkable recognition for our project”; finally the talented graphic designer Yann Legendre “who worked with the greatest” and author of the 70 shield designs.
Needless to say, everyone is impatient to see the boat launched. “I can’t wait to see how he performs”. It will certainly take time to adapt “because the Vikings didn't leave us any instructions! » jokes Philippe Renaudet. At the end of the Vendée Globe festivities, the Drakkar will participate in the various local and regional festivals… dedicated to the sea. The association will take the form of a sailing club: “Until then we didn't have a boat, so we made it! ». But since Philippe Renaudet is a man of projects, he is already planning a Transatlantic race in 2025.
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