“It’s really awesome !” Barely ashore, Philippine already wants to go back to sea. The 14-year-old teenager, from Barneville-Carteret, has just experienced the prologue of the Dhream Cup aboard a Class 40 sailboat, this Friday 15 July. Like her, 23 other Cotentin children were able to embark on this offshore race of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, as part of the Rêves de large operation.
Philippine, embarked alongside Jean Galfione
Each child accompanied a different skipper. Philippine, she did not board with a stranger, climbed on board of SerenisJean Galfione’s boata former Olympic pole vault champion, who swapped pole vault for barbell starting in 2005. “It’s really a chance, he’s a great champion”smiled the girl.
On board, Jean Galfione entrusts him with a few missions before the start of the regatta. “Do you see the red Spi sheet? Can you shoot it?” Philippine complies, activates the crank and even takes the helm of the boat. “It’s a lot of pressure, because the whole boat is almost on you. But it’s really great”.
– Chloe Martin
A moment of sharing between children and skippers
Once the prologue is launched, there is no longer any question of participating in the maneuvers but the show is impressive. “The sensations are great. The speed, when it leans to one side, it’s really pleasant”says Philippine. “It’s a great experience, she is very interested! I like having young people who are curious, who discover, who ask questions, who are not jaded”, rejoices Jean Galfione.
An experience that Filipina is not not about to forget. “I would do it again if I could! In any case, I wish Jean luck for his solo lap on Sunday”.