The team made it official this morning: Violette Dorange, who finished 25th in the last Vendée Globe, will take the helm of Sam Davies' former IMOCA boat, Initiatives-Cœur, a ‘2024 generation’ foiler.
The young sailor will continue the Initiatives-Coeur mission by sailing to raise funds for Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque, an organisation that provides surgery for children with heart defects.
Until the 2028 Vendée Globe, Sam Davies will continue to support the project, both as Violette Dorange's coach and as a technical advisor to the team.
It is an incredible opportunity to be able to practise my sport on a high-performance boat while helping to save lives. Since I was a teenager, I have always admired the Initiatives-Cœur project. It is incredible to be able to combine sport and solidarity with such commitment in each of these areas. After a year at the heart of the project, I appreciate its strength and beauty even more. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the sponsors and patrons for their trust, as well as to Sam for giving me so much during this unforgettable year. Following in the footsteps of my childhood idol is incredible.
Today, a chapter is closing, and I am delighted to continue writing the story of Initiatives-Cœur in a new role. I could not imagine a better navigator than Violette to take the helm. Both as an athlete and as a person, she has all the qualities needed to accomplish great things. I am very happy that she will be my successor, and I will do my best to support her.
