Solidaire du Chocolat starts on 18th October

Start of the Solidaire du Chocolat on 18 October in Nantes / Saint-Nazaire

5,000 miles, 50 sailors, and 500,000 Euros raised for associations

The Solidaire du Chocolat, the first transatlantic race between France and Mexico (Progreso-Yucatan), will start on 18 October off the shore of Saint Nazaire, after an event related start on Ile de Nantes. It has already reached full momentum and has established its special in the world of offshore racing.

The Solidaire du Chocolat is not just a sporting event that invites a fine fleet of 40 foot (12.19 m) monohulls, sailed two-handed, to weigh each other up on the tracks of the cocoa trade. The Solidaire du Chocolat, is in fact much more than that. The secrets of its unique recipe filled with meaning were revealed during the press conference which took place this Thursday 17 September at the Radio France Centre in Paris, in the presence of its key players in the sporting, associatiative, institutional and economic worlds, a number of celebrities and a Mexican delegation brought by the Mexican Ambassador in France, Mr. Carlos De Icaza.

The ingredients: a boat, a charity association, a sponsor

Inspired by an idea of Laurent Bignolas, the journalist and sponsor, and co-organized by Damien Grimont and Yves Gillet, the Solidaire du Chocolat was imagined and designe to create waves ashore amongst a large number of associations. Its concept is based on a simple idea full of common sense.Each team competing, supported by its sponsors, will also wear the colours of a large-scale local, national or international charity involved in social solidarity or sustainable development fields.

Each sailing duo therefore becomes the ambassador of a “Solidaire du Chocolat Project” financed by €25,000 per sponsoring firm (large group or SMI), to which this idea of clinging to strong social values appeals in these sluggish economic times.

25 crews, 9 nationalities

This new project, with strong sporting, educational, event and solidarity related dimensions, now broadcasts its chocolate and flavours with a taste of the sea among a world of large ocean crossings. On 18 October next, 25 duos, bringing together sailors from all over the world (9 nationalities represented), will set off on an exploration of Mexico and its little-known seas. The racers quickly understood its importance and a large number have already shown their interest by their presence. Great offshore figures such as Bernard Stamm and Giovanni Soldini, followed by young, constantly evolving talents, and even well-informed amateurs will make up a colourful line-up, which may be distinguished by its level of quality as well as its diversity.

Solidarity full sail ahead

On Sunday 18 October at 17:00, 50 sailors will set off on a 5,000 mile (9,260 km) transatlantic crossing; the longest ever raced. In their wake, they will carry associative projects financed by the funds they have raised – more than 500,000 Euros – for the 25 associations that have embarked on this oceanic adventure unlike any other. Solidarity will take to the ocean between France and Mexico - a fine symbol!

Quotes:

François Desnoyer, deputy manager in charge of the Radio France studios: “The Radio France centre likes to cover “public spirited” events such as the Solidaire du Chocolat. I am impressed by the scale of this project, its dynamism, the spirit of enterprise and its sensitivity. This transat is different because of its sports, economic and solidarity dimension. It is a generous gamble!”

Mr Carlos De Icaza, Mexico’s Ambassador in France: “The Solidaire du Chocolat is a very special event and is very important for Mexico. It is unique and historic. The Yucatán is the gateway to Mexico and the Mayan world. It is a region with a tradition of an international outlook. There is a long cultural and economic history between France and Mexico, as is demonstrated the 450 French companies and the 30,000 French people present on our territory. Our two countries are closely linked by an important friendly relationship.”

Marie Godard, in charge of the Solidaire centre at the Chocolate Route association: “Among the sponsors there are as many large groups who sponsor in most instances through their regional branch as there are local SMIs, which have not sponsored before. Some of them have a real soft spot for an association and its actions. These are fine stories which happen on the margin of the race. In that respect, we have achieved our objective!”

Vincent Dulong, in charge of the Bolivia Inti-Sud Soleil association: “Our association very quickly sollicited the race organization which defends solidarity, a notion that means a lot to us. Bolivia Inti’s actions through the distribution of solar cookers in the Andes region works towards two important challenges for the Earth: the fight against poverty and the fight against climate change. When the race starts, it will celebrate 10 years of existence and the distribution of its 10,000th cooker.”

Eric Larroumet, SFCMM, sponsoring company: “Small businesses do not always have the means to finance an association with €25,000. We like sporting challenges, but we also like acts of solidarity. The Solidaire du Chocolat combines them both bringing real meaning to it for our employees as well as our partners. So we grouped together eight companies in order to support the association Partage 44, which encourages integration through working with people who have significant social difficulties.”

Erik Nigon, skipper of Axa Atout Cœur for AIDES: “The Solidaire du Chocolat is a large festival sharing responsibility and solidarity, a week to inform, convince, amuse, and make people aware; a month to sail and share the joy of racing on the ocean, its freedom, the strength of our environment and our emotions. And at the finish to learn, participate, discover and understand our Mexican friends and their life in the Yucatan.”

List of entries.