Sustainable financing of maritime heritage
Marc Pointud, president of the Société Nationale pour le Patrimoine des Phares et Balises does nothing like everyone else. In February 2016, it decided to spend 60 days in isolation on the Tévennec Lighthouse to raise public awareness about the future of lighthouses. More than two years later, the association launched a new operation to finance the safeguarding of the lighthouses' heritage: the marketing of energy and natural drinks.
"For heritage structures, sustainable financing is a real problem. We have gifts, but not lasting participation. We have therefore been thinking for a year about developing a product that could ensure us a sustainable financing with this consumption effect" explains Marc Pointud.
The association has therefore joined forces with a Breton company - OK La Forme - specialising in natural products to create a drink called Esprit des Phares. " So we developed a drink made from plants and fruit that we wanted clean, that was not questionable in terms of quality and health" explains Marc Pointud.
Two drinks for two effects
Esprit des Phares is a tonic soda of 25 cl, slightly sparkling, made with plant extract (Eleutherococcus root) and fruit, with a light lemon taste and a champagne colour. Without taurine, without caffeine, without alcohol and without synthetic sugar, it is therefore edible by everyone and especially by children. It has also been extensively tested and since authorized for sale by the DGCCRF (Direction générale de la concurrence, de la consommation et de la répression des fraudes).
To recall the maritime heritage, the bottle is adorned with pretty colours that recall the lighthouses.
A second, slightly energizing version - with the taste of raspberry or blackcurrant - and more concentrated takes the form of a"shot" and would act effectively on seasickness "The packaging is that of a tube and the composition is stronger. According to our tests, it proves to be effective against seasickness. We tested it at sea, on people who were getting sick and the results were conclusive. Besides, it's all natural and therefore good for your health." explains Marc Pointud.
It would be enough to take a shot when seasickness occurs and to wait between ½ hour and ¾ hour to feel the effects of the"best". An effect that we will test soon.
The energetic virtues of the plant intervene in the event of a decrease in tone. This is also the case during night shifts. Taken ½ h before his watch, the drink would maintain attention without however preventing sleep when it is time to sleep.
"When the body is about to fall asleep, we take this shot and we are awake and attentive again. But it won't keep you awake in time. There are no chemicals - apart from plant chemistry - nor any synthetic drugs and therefore no addiction. If your body is not lacking in energy, there will be no noticeable effect." explains Marc Pointud.
Commercialization in the making
For the moment, the Esprit des Phares drink is sold in the bars of associations or structures that organize festivals or gatherings. Drinks can also be ordered on the association's website.
Finally, the SNPB is in discussions with buying groups and local retailers to reference its beverage brand.
The bottles are sold between 2 ? and 2,50 ?, a rather accessible price thus for a beautiful action of safeguard of our maritime heritage.
