Isabelle and Vincent have long nurtured an unconditional love for the sea. Married for more than 30 years, they decided to embark on a new project: that of realizing their dream of building an Allures sailboat to sail around the world.
A history of seas and travel
An attraction for the sea
Young, Isabelle grew up abroad, with her parents. It changed countries frequently, living in different exotic destinations around the world, and nourishing a particular attraction for the sea. Vincent lived a decade in Australia before settling in metropolitan territory. He started sailing when he arrived in France at the age of 10: « Since I started at the sailing school on the island of Bréhat, I have practiced sailing, light or habitable, every year. I fell under the charm of North Brittany, but I was also a sailing instructor at the Glénans and elsewhere ».
The birth of the sailing world tour project
When they both met more than 30 years ago, Isabelle was not sailing. The couple's priority was to start a family, and engage in a professional career. « Well filled ». Then, gradually, the two marine enthusiasts were able to experience their first moments of navigation together: Vincent introduced Isabelle to sailing, on the occasion of several yacht rentals – with family, friends or alone, during their holidays. Then, during a visit to the Paris Boat Show, the idea sprouted: why not buy a sailboat, two of them, to sail around the world?
Today, while their three children are now adults and their working lives are about to end, they have the opportunity to realize a dream: to travel together, at the strength of the wind and taking all their time.
A start for Australia... and a sailing tour of the world!
An adventure to return to the land of their childhood
« When we saw the first Allures 45.9, in Paris, we fell under the spell. Then we saw the video of the entry into New York port of the sailboat Gerty – the third Allures 45.9 put into service in Cherbourg in 2017, by the Allures shipyard. The idea came its way, and we began to dream of going back to the Swan River in Perth, Australia. This is where I spent my childhood: I have my first memories! » trusts Vincent.
From this first idea, the couple then expanded the program: « We have come to dream of following the trade winds route to start from France with the crossing of the Atlantic Ocean from East to West. On the continuation of our itinerary, we dream of taking the Panama Canal, heading for Polynesia and finishing our tour of the world with a stopover in Mauritius. We also promised to visit a former colleague... But between our dreams and our encounters, we have realized that our journey and our navigation program will constantly evolve! ».
The choice of an aluminum travel sailboat
The ideal companion for sailing circumnavigation
The couple wanted to acquire a lean drifter on board which they would feel safe, and with which they could go to the most inaccessible places – in particular, the shallow areas that only catamarans can usually approach.
« We have often crossed sailing boats of the group Grand Large Yachting in the ports, and we have always had the opportunity to exchange with happy owners ».
A monohull thought for the Blue Water Sailing
As they had presaged, the choice of Isabelle was Vincent on an aluminium monohull proposed by the sailboat manufacturer Allures Yachting.
« It is a reassuring travel boat, coming from a serious and renowned construction site, very suitable for a sailing tour of the world. Everyone we have met, whether they are part of the internal team or customers of the Grand Large Yachting group, has always inspired us confidence and comfort in the reputation of these sailboats. As for the boat, it is simply beautiful! » details the future owners.
A well prepared sailing tour of the world
A long-standing project
It has now been nearly 10 years since Isabelle and Vincent worked on the idea of sailing around the globe. « Before make the decision to set off on a Blue Water SailingWe've talked a lot about it. Now, it's officially a project being implemented! We recently signed the construction contract for our future boat with the yard, and we are finalizing the financial assembly ».
Training to sail in complete serenity
The launch of the sailboat is scheduled for August 2027, for a sailing tour of the world in April 2028. In anticipation, to ensure that they fully enjoy the great adventure that awaits them, Isabelle and Vincent continue to prepare: they still need to establish a travel programme, and continue to train – developing many technical and practical skills.
Medical training, Offshore marine weather, Safety and survival at sea, On-board electronics, Marine Diesel Mechanics, Desalinizer Maintenance, Modern textile seamanship... thanks to Technical Training, the training center of the Grand Large Yachting group, the crew will work to anticipate all situations that may occur, on board, to realize its tour of the world sailing in complete serenity. « Several months ago, we attended the Blue Water Sailing Seminar organized by Grand Large Yachting: we found it very informative, especially on the infinite possibilities that can arise. We still have some preparations, but we can't wait to be there. The family agrees, life is short... so we decided to go! » They're closing.
Isabelle and Vincent dared to start. And you, are you ready to realize your dream of sailing around the world? If you would like help, contact us: the Grand Large Services team will be happy to accompany you at every stage of your project!