THROUGH THE LENS: THE SIROCCO PROJECT STALWARTS …

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THROUGH THE LENS – No.1 – 4 March 2020

THROUGH THE LENS: THE SIROCCO PROJECT

STALWARTS OF OFFSHORE RACING IN THE GLOBE 40 THE MOROCCAN PROJECT UP AND RUNNING

“But to my mind the Globe 40 is unique. A round the world race setting sail from Tangier, on African soil... it’s too fine an opportunity!” “I’m delighted to be setting sail on this course again and to have the chance to add my contribution to the fabric of team Sirocco” “And when you add to that the exoticism of an international crew and the sharing of maritime and cultural knowledge, you’re getting pretty close to dream conditions” Piloted by Hicham Tahri and Nicolas Magnan, the 2nd project to sign up is progressing by leaps and bounds. Half the crew will comprise Moroccan racers (Hicham Tahri / Clipper Race- Mehdi Rouizem/ circumnavigation of the globe 2009 - 2011) and a mighty team of French offshore racers gathered together by Nicolas Magnan. The French contingent includes Sébastien Audigane, current holder of the Jules Verne Trophy (for the 2nd time), along with 5 other striking records spanning the oceans of the globe and 2 Barcelona World Race participations. This great round the world specialist will be a mainstay in the moulding and training of the team. Another key member will be François Jambou no less, the latest prototype champion in the Mini-Transat, the legendary race which is the springboard for so many in the sailing world. And finally, Nicolas Pichelin, will be donning his foulies again after years at the top of his game in offshore racing as winner of The Race, the Jules Verne Trophy on Orange and several years on ORMA 60s and MOD70s. Did the dream destinations conjure up an image of a relaxed atmosphere out on the water perhaps?

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VERBATIM HICHAM TAHRI “The minute I heard about the Globe 40 it immediately grabbed my attention. The big drivers are the call of the open ocean, which holds all those who love the sea hostage and the irresistible desire to cast off, the incredible frenzy of the pontoons a few hours before departure and the need to compete against others, whilst remaining humble in the face of the forces of nature. But to my mind the Globe 40 is unique. A round the world race setting sail from Tangier, on African soil... it’s too fine an opportunity to miss. It was vital to have a team and a boat flying the Moroccan flag taking part in this fabulous adventure. It will be a first! Encountering Manfred Ramspacher and Nicolas Magnan has been a game changer… Sirocco will be a Franco-Moroccan team comprising sailors from both sides of the Mediterranean. It’s a team with multiple symbols: Experience, Passion, Exchange, Rapprochement and Sharing… We have all the ingredients to make this offshore race an adventure of a lifetime.” SÉBASTIEN AUDIGANE “Circumnavigations of the globe, and yacht races more generally, are a major part of my life and I’m delighted to be setting sail on this course again and to have the chance to add my contribution to the fabric of Sirocco team put together by Hicham and Nicolas. My role in this project will be to bring into play my sailing expertise, particularly so during training sessions and more broadly in terms of moulding the team. The training up of the crews and the optimisation at each of our 40-footer’s stopovers will be key in our bid for ultimate victory. This is a very meaningful role for me and it is in line with the major project I’m working on with my team going forward. I’m really happy to be able to participate in the creation of this Franco-Moroccan team, which is built on the sharing of experience, sport, adventure, pushing back one’s boundaries and friendship between peoples.” FRANÇOIS JAMBOU "Coming from the Mini circuit, sailing in Class40 is a natural progression. The general standard here is higher and more professional. As such, it’s a fresh challenge which is enabling me to take on the Globe 40 and with it comes the possibility of sailing on the long legs and on other oceans.

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Team Sirocco is about the opportunity to sail with French and Moroccan sailors and to learn from one another! Some are top sailors so it’s a form of recognition for me which I’m thrilled about. Over and above being a racer, I am a coach, sailing instructor and teacher. Here, it’s the first time that a project combining top-level sport, offshore sailing and training has presented itself to me! And when you add to that the exoticism of an international crew and the sharing of maritime and cultural knowledge, you’re getting pretty close to dream conditions! Indeed, there are a great many noble values in this approach and that really gives this round the world meaning.”

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