This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
YACHT CLASS n°38 (sept-oct-nov 2024)
Yacht Club de Monaco
On June 19th, Les Voiles de l’Espoir called into Monaco. Around a hundred children with cancer spent a week of sailing and partying to get their confidence and smiles back.
Written by : Christophe Varène – Photos : Michael Alesi / Palais Princier, Mesi /YCM, Birdeyecam, DR.
The smiles tell the story. From June 15th to 22nd, nearly a hundred children set off on sailboats for a rally linking Saint-Raphaël to Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Villefranche-sur-Mer, Monaco and back. This seemingly innocent escapade was in fact a wonderful adventure for these children and teenagers who were struck by cancer or leukaemia far too early and are now mostly in remission. Because Les Voiles de l’Espoir Foundation has set itself an ambitious goal: to restore the self-confidence that has been shattered by their illness, so that they can once again play an active role in their lives and plan for the future. And yes, when the week ended, their smiles spoke for themselves.
Opening up to others
On each boat, two children were accompanied by a skipper and supervisors, often members of the Brotherhood of the Round Table. Daily life on board the sailing boats was part of a psycho-playful journey: the “ship’s boy” gained autonomy and opened up to others within the reassuring framework of the crew and, during stopovers, of the whole group. To symbolise this, each child was given a foam beret when they set off and received a captain’s hat in their name on arrival. Every leg of the journey included activities for children, and the Monaco stage was memorable for both young and old.
A visit to the Palace
On June 19th, the fleet docked at the Yacht Club de Monaco where Bernard d’Alessandri, who fully supported the project, welcomed the children. They then proceeded to the Prince’s Palace for the changing of the guard, a tour of the Palace and a warm meeting with Prince Albert II who posed for the traditional souvenir photo with all the participants. In the afternoon, the children took to the Formula 1 circuit in the magnificent cars of the Automobile Club, and the day ended with a ‘Pirate Princesses and Princes’ evening at the Yacht Club de Monaco, supported by superyacht management company Hill Robinson.
Receiving before giving
Les Voiles de l’Espoir, chaired by Marc Dominique Tramoni, is now in its 12th year since 2001 and has helped over a thousand children to recover their self-esteem and take control of their future. The therapeutic and educational benefits of sailing have led many to become volunteers, as there is no greater satisfaction than giving back to others. A great lesson in hope.
