At the beginning of March, under bright sunshine, Acapella returned to its natural element. The iconic trimaran of Charlie Capelle left its shipyard in Hennebont (Southern Brittany) to motor to the port of Lorient, where the mast was stepped. This relaunch marks the start of a new adventure shared by Proludic and the skipper, whose boat will carry the colours of the NGO La Chaîne de l’Espoir in the next Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe.
The “Demoiselle” hasn’t aged a day
The atmosphere was almost spring-like when the small 11.5-metre trimaran reached the launching slipway. For nearly a year, sparing no effort, Charlie Capelle carried out meticulous work almost entirely on his own, with valuable help from his family and close friends for the most delicate handling operations.
“I’ve built boats all my life, and this trimaran also embodies a certain craftsmanship. I love beautiful things and quality workmanship. Everything has to be perfect, and I put all my energy into this renovation project.”
At 71, just a few months before setting off for the 7th time on the most legendary solo transatlantic race, Charlie does not hide his relief — nor his pride.
“This relaunch is something of a liberation. The culmination of a very long project. It represents thousands of hours. I devoted all my time to it, and it’s completely unreasonable. But the result is there, and the Demoiselle hasn’t aged a day.”
A boat that will not go unnoticed
The twin of Mike Birch’s Olympus Photo — the first winner of the Route du Rhum in 1978 — this 48-year-old molded-wood “Demoiselle,” instantly recognizable thanks to its sun-yellow livery and its number 88, a nod to the Vosges origins of its skipper, embodies the very history of this transatlantic race. Among the smallest and oldest boats expected at the start in Saint-Malo, it is already attracting attention far beyond the sailing world. The presence of a France 3 Littoral crew at the relaunch proves it: with camera on shoulder, the journalists are filming a documentary about Charlie and Acapella, scheduled to air before the race start.
Proludic: far more than a sponsor
If Acapella has been able to return to the water in such condition, it is also because Charlie can rely on strong support on shore.
“All this is possible because I can rely on the support of Proludic. But more than a sponsor, I consider this generous company, deeply committed alongside La Chaîne de l’Espoir, as a benefactor.”
Denis Le Poupon, founder of Proludic, had already been present two months earlier at the 20th anniversary of the Vannes branch of La Chaîne de l’Espoir, alongside Charlie. His commitment is expressed simply and directly.
“The work carried out by this NGO is admirable. You can clearly see that it is a whole chain that functions thanks to the unconditional commitment of doctors and caregivers. And if there is a weak link, it is funding. In this chain, I do what is simplest, with teams internally who commit themselves all year round. The sporting challenges they take part in allow them to accumulate ‘suns’ that I then convert into donations — it’s a concrete action within our corporate social responsibility. Today, La Chaîne de l’Espoir is not sufficiently well known and needs to be highlighted. Acapella’s participation, which will carry its name on the Route du Rhum, is part of this objective.”
Heading towards a collective adventure
The coming weeks promise to be intense: physical preparation, adjustments, training sails and regattas. Charlie’s objective is clear.
“Now it’s about sailing and showing the boat as much as possible, to promote La Chaîne de l’Espoir and meet Proludic’s objective of encouraging its visibility and reputation.”
Proludic will be present in the Route du Rhum village in Saint-Malo with a dedicated stand. The small yellow trimaran will also appear on Virtual Regatta, where thousands of virtual sailors will be able to take the helm under the Proludic–La Chaîne de l’Espoir colours — and contribute, in their own way, to spreading the NGO’s message.
On November 1st, when Acapella sets off from Saint-Malo towards Guadeloupe, Charlie will be alone on board — but supported by a company, an NGO and thousands of supporters, all united behind the same small yellow trimaran.
