The pace is picking up for the teams of Navman, the structure managing Alan Roura’s projects. With the priority of the last few months being looking for partners, and the purchase and handling of his new boat, the Swiss skipper had reduced his team members and lowered the pace. Since last Tuesday, and his IMOCA coming out of the water, business is back on since more people have joined the team.
It’s all hustle and bustle in the Glorieux 2 building of the submarine base in Lorient. Sanders, grinders and drills hum once again, as the lights shine on and extend the days of the Alan Roura team. Early February, the employees of the Navman company resumed their functions, with the first few weeks dedicated to sailing and organising their work spaces. One month later, on Monday 28th February, the Swiss sailor’s new IMOCA was taken out of the water for an “against the clock” shipyard of about one month. With the main goal being to launch the boat with her new decoration in early April, topics and deadlines abound: unfitting the boat and entirely checking her out, checking all deck fittings, full sanding of the hull and deck, photo shoots, film making, announcing the major partner, approving design, painting the sails, fitting out the boat... “The boat was extremely well-built and has benefitted from two years of adjustments and improved reliability”, explained Alan. “We aren’t going to make any major changes this year, but with things picking up suddenly and the first races approaching, the job list is pretty long! The timing is short but we are up for the challenge. I trust my team.” If he can allow this characteristic optimism, it’s because the 29-year-old Genevan can rely on those who’ve accompanied him for several years now. But also because he can now count on a reinforced team.
A new team for a new challengeSince the athletic goals have evolved, the team continues to grow and become more professional, via internal restructuring and recruiting new skills. As such, Cyril Enjalran, Alexis Monier and Delphine Largenton continue the adventure as Technical Director, Boat Captain and Administrative and Financial Manager, while Simon Vasseur joins the technical department as Rigging Manager. Two other preparers, specialised in composites and electronics, will also come aboard in the upcoming weeks. Lastly, Allyson Mousselon becomes Team Manager to manage the project as a whole. As a trained engineer, regular regatta-sailor endowed with contagious hyperactivity, she worked in industry initially before taking the plunge into a field that had appealed to her for a long time now: “I’ve always wanted to be a part of offshore racing because it’s a sector that’s at the crossroads of what I love in life: sailing, competition, human aspects, organisation, team work… but it’s truly Alan’s endearing personality and his way of operating that carried their weight. He’s got a solid hard core, the atmosphere is close-knit, the team spirit is strong. You either join in or you don’t… And I did!” For this conductor’s role, Alan chose a bubbly personality and also solid experience. “I needed someone who corresponded to our philosophy and way of working, and who would also bring more structure.” He explained. “Allyson ticks all the boxes.” The concerned party confirms: “I view my role as a connector between the different entities of the project, both internally and externally, within the different sectors of the team, with the class, the race organisers, partners… making sure everything runs smoothly, from a human, financial and technical point of view, according to the needs and in collaboration with the people in charge of the parts concerned. I think I can bring a certain frame, install certain habits due to my past experience in the private industrial sector. At the same time, I’m trying to find a happy medium for everything to run smoothly. In relation to Alan, I’m here to relieve him of some of his functions as company leader, so that he can devote 90% of this time to his athletic project and worry less about the administrative aspect.” A fundamental and necessary relay for Alan, whose project changed category since buying a boat with a potential to win the next Vendée Globe. The skipper has taken up physical and mental training, guided by coaches with whom he’s worked for many years now, with his last training sessions in April and his first race in May, in sight.
Photo © Vincent Curutchet