The book "The Boat and Me" could be subtitled "A Love Story". Indeed, Roland Fardeau, tells in this little book his anecdotes of navigation. His long career in the Vendée Jeanneau shipyard has enabled him to sail on all types of boats. Whether by motor or sail, this sea lover has had many opportunities to set sail.
Roland joined the site's marketing department in the "golden age". The one where boats were easily sold and where promotional operations could have scale. To accompany the races or even the journalists, he did not hesitate to take the helm either on the biggest unit on the site or even on a Leader outboard.
A journalist myself, I had opportunities to go out to sea with him. I remember an experience in Les Sables-d'Olonne on a Sun Fast 32i to do a subject on solo sailing. Roland did not hesitate to brave the swell from the exit of the port on this day of strong winds. He had confidence in himself and in the boats he represented. An undeniable competence that unfortunately can no longer be found in today's construction sites.
This book, which is nevertheless divided into many chapters, is read like a succession of little anecdotes, on the sea, the weather, piloting, racing, cruising. It talks about everything, in a somewhat messy way, but with always in the background, the pleasure of being at sea. From the North Sea to the Mediterranean, and also in the transatlantic, Roland has sailed extensively, both in his experience and in his pleasure and communication.
Put this book down and you will certainly also have the taste of salt on your lips and the desire to see (the) wide. It is probably not the novel of the year, nor the most accomplished biography, but just the pleasure of sharing the passion for sailing, the love of the boat.
The boat and me - Roland Fardeau
- Editions Ourson Blanc
- 13 x 19 cm
- 150 pages
- 15.00 euros
