Nearly 700 boats
This sunny but windy 2024 edition brought together 1140 participants and some 700 boats of all kinds. Of course, we were there with my partner Galaxy Kayaks, as were most of our regular partners. This year, the start was given from the Plage du Trez in Bénodet, a large beach, but all the space was taken up by boats of all colors.
The vast majority of participants were dressed up. We saw sailors, saltwater and freshwater sailors, Vikings, Gauls and other indeterminate characters. All this colorful little world made the event even more joyful. All ages were present, the oldest being 75. Kayaking is good for your health, and as I often say, it should be reimbursed by social security!
14 kilometers of navigation
The start is given at around 1:30 p.m. for the ascent of the Odet, with the tidal current to help, fortunately, as these 14 kilometers of navigation will be, most of the time, with a strong headwind, especially at the end. All this merrymaking is, of course, supervised by a large number of safety boats and the presence of our guardian angels, the SNSM, on all our waters throughout the year. There are also doctors and nurses on board the safety boats. Everyone's safety is the priority of this event.
The first ones took around 02 h 00 to make the trip, while the last ones took almost 04 h 30. I witnessed the arrival of the last two, a paddle whose navigator was accompanied by his spaniel, and above all the last one, who did the event on a small inflatable kayak that went from right to left with each stroke of the paddle. I take my hat off to this young woman, who was determined to go all the way, battling against the strong wind, and a few volunteers were on hand to help her out of her boat.
A beautiful day
Here, too, a big tip of the hat goes to the 150 or so volunteers who turned out in force, as Michel Chapalain, the event's emblematic organizer for many years, who is handing over the torch this year, pointed out. Throughout the event, Michel Chapalain held the microphone and animated the tombola rewarding the participants.
This joyous day ended with the presentation of the main prize - a kayak, of course - and the drawing of lots. A big well done to everyone, first and foremost to the weather, which gave up its autumn clothes to give us a beautiful spring day, to the many sponsors who made this event possible, and of course to the faultless organization and volunteers who made this day a great moment of festivity and sharing. We all need them these days, so see you next year...
