DÉFENSE ZONE
Since 2017, the association 30 jours de mer (30 days at sea), which has public-interest status, has supported wounded veterans in their physical and mental recovery through sailing. Two approaches are offered to help them regain confidence and self-esteem: sailing lessons and offshore races.
In 2009, Captain Alpha Diakité lost five of his brothers in arms. Sailing is what helped him not to go under. To raise public awareness and help those who, like him, came back changed, the soldier founded the association 30 jours de mer in 2017, in reference to Pierre Schoendoerffer’s film Le Crabe Tambour (The Drummer Crab).
Sailing lessons
From 2 March, the association is organising an outing at sea every two weeks for a minimum of five wounded veterans. Participants, followed by a doctor from the military hospital in Marseille, can book their place online in agreement with their own doctor. This time spent on the water allows the wounded to leave the hospital and take part in an outdoor activity to regain their self-esteem and confidence. Each outing is also an opportunity to learn more about sailing and to practise navigation.
Offshore races
2023 is a decisive year for 30 jours de mer. On 24 September, the boat, which bears the association’s name, will start the Mini Transat, a two-stage sailing race. Competitors must first reach Santa Cruz de La Palma in the Canary Islands (in 7 days for the fastest), then Saint-François in Guadeloupe in the second stage. Twenty days at sea, single-handed, to fly the flag for the association’s values. To take part in the Mini Transat in September, 30 jours de mer must complete qualifying races and build up nautical miles. From March to July, Captain Diakité is taking part in six different races, solo and double-handed. He has trained Clovis, his co-skipper, who has been supported by the association for a year.
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