A great set and a dream cast!
With a sense of meticulous staging, Michel Desjoyeaux directed the christening of the MOD 70 FONCIA on Ile Saint-Nicolas in Les Glenans islands off the coast of Brittany.
The trimaran was beached in front of Desjoyeaux’ family, team members, and Foncia representatives. The boat’s godmother, French actress Audrey Tautou, perhaps best known for Amelie and more recently the film adaption of the Da Vinci Code, christened Foncia in the method traditional – with Champagne.
Unfortunately, this sailing pundit’s French is not good enough to convey the prose of the press release that talks of the light and bright face of French cinema, turquoise clouds and archipelago of broken bottles.
The facts that can be gleaned from the story are that Tautou has a passion for the sea and a strong admiration for those who sail upon it. Audrey Tautou met Desjoyeaux during the filming of a television program.
Tautou said:
“I am very proud and happy too. Beyond the beauty of the boat, the sailor’s talent impresses me, makes me so happy to be here, to Glénan, it’s magic! I know the sea and oceans, but the world of the competition completely unknown to me. I find its simplicity, authenticity and sincerity. I loved how I was greeted by Michael and his team. The world of racing is more than a sport, it’s also a way of living his art, with the elements and the sea in terms of sensations, the multihull is extraordinary. Surrounded by the crew, I was very confident, serene. “
Desjoyeaux said:
“A baptism is a maritime tradition that should be perpetuated. Before we left for more formal meetings in competition, we seized the moment. Audrey found us a few days before the start of the Barcelona World Race. The whole team discovered someone completely fascinated by the sea and boats. I knew it would please her to be the godmother of Foncia.
Yves Gevin, CEO of Group FONCIA commented:
I am very happy to be here, together with colleagues from FONCIA, Michel, his godmother and his team in the intimacy of this little paradise. This christening is like a nice family celebration before the first competition of this new boat in the colors of the group. Michel and his crew, who recently won the Vulcan Trophy in Switzerland gave a strong signal, and successfully won, which is very promising for the rest of the program in a multihull. “
The Krys Match Cup for the three new MOD70s as well as Gitana 11 starts this Thursday.
