[ACTU] Le commerce à la voile fait son come-back ! Thalassa

Summary

Loïc Briand, a 32-year-old captain, embarks on an ambitious journey to modernize a traditional cargo sailing ship. After a year of construction, the vessel is nearly ready, combining eco-friendly technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and hydrolines to operate autonomously. Inspired by historic ships, Loïc and his team have created a cargo ship capable of carrying 50 tons of goods like cocoa, coffee, and wine. Despite the challenges, Loïc's passion for sailing runs deep, and he aims to live his dream of navigating this innovative, sustainable ship. The project is about more than just work; it's about living a fulfilling and adventurous life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Loïc Briand, a 32-year-old captain, has been aboard for several weeks and is overseeing a large project to turn a modern cargo sailing ship into reality.
• 🚢 The boat has been under construction for over a year but is still in the hangar, showing the immense challenge and effort involved in the project.
• ⚓ The ship is designed to transport goods such as cacao, coffee beans, and wine, with a capacity to carry up to 50 tons of cargo.
• 🌱 The design of the ship was inspired by traditional sailing ships, with a focus on simplicity, effectiveness, and sustainability.
• 🛳️ The ship features modern eco-friendly technology, including solar panels, wind turbines, and hydro turbines to ensure energy autonomy.
• 💨 The crew enjoys a level of comfort onboard, with amenities like a toilet, shower, washing machine, and dryer, despite being out at sea for three months at a time.
• 🌊 Loïc, who comes from a long line of sailors, aims to combine his family legacy with modern, sustainable sailing practices on this new boat.
• ⚙️ After almost two years of construction, the ship, named 'Grain de Sel,' is finally ready to test the waters and start its journey.
• 🛠️ The ship is now starting to take shape, with its newly installed hands-on crew preparing for the ship's first voyage.
• 🎉 Loïc's personal goal is to live a life of adventure and passion, seeking joy and fulfillment in the experience of sailing, rather than focusing solely on financial gain.

Q & A

What is the primary challenge Loïc Briand faces with his boat project?

The primary challenge Loïc Briand faces is reinventing and modernizing a cargo sailing vessel, which requires significant innovation to ensure it is functional and efficient, despite its small size and the complexity of integrating old and new technologies.

What type of cargo will the boat carry, and how is it prepared for its first trip?

The boat is designed to carry up to 50 tons of cargo, including pallets of cocoa, coffee beans, and wine. To avoid traveling empty, it will carry wine on its first trip.

How does the boat draw inspiration from historical designs while incorporating modern technologies?

The boat's design draws heavily from traditional sailing vessels, but it incorporates modern solutions like solar panels, wind turbines, and hydro turbines to ensure energy autonomy, making it an eco-friendly and sustainable choice.

How does Loïc Briand view comfort aboard the vessel?

Loïc emphasizes the importance of comfort for the crew, including features like a toilet, shower, washing machine, and dryer, as they will be spending three months at sea. The goal is to balance functionality with some level of comfort for long journeys.

What makes Loïc Briand a unique captain?

Loïc Briand is a unique captain because he has transitioned from working on cargo ships to following his passion for sailing on a modern, eco-friendly vessel. His family has a long history in maritime work, and he is committed to living out his dream despite the challenges.

What significance does the boat's first launch hold for the crew and Loïc Briand?

The first launch of the boat is a significant milestone for Loïc and his crew, symbolizing the completion of nearly two years of work. It marks the transition from construction to actual sailing, and the boat is now ready to sail and take on real cargo.

How does the crew contribute to the boat's preparation for its maiden voyage?

The entire crew is involved in preparing the boat for its baptism, contributing to finalizing details and ensuring it is ready for its first voyage. This collective effort highlights teamwork and dedication to the project's success.

What is Loïc Briand's long-term perspective on his work and life at sea?

Loïc views his work on the boat as a fulfillment of his personal dreams, prioritizing joy and satisfaction over financial gain. His long-term perspective focuses on creating lasting memories and experiences rather than focusing solely on profits.

What is the purpose of the boat's design in terms of environmental sustainability?

The boat's design is focused on environmental sustainability by incorporating renewable energy sources such as solar panels, wind turbines, and hydro turbines. These features ensure the boat operates autonomously and minimizes its ecological footprint.

What are the immediate goals for the boat after its completion?

After its completion, the boat's immediate goal is to successfully embark on its maiden voyage, carrying cargo and demonstrating the feasibility of combining traditional sailing with modern eco-technologies in real-world conditions.