A great integration for Elodie Bonafous
Tuesday, january 24, 2023
FElodie Bonafous, Queguiner La Vie en Rose talks about when she arrived on the Figaro Beneteau 3 circuit and give some precious advice to the next generation of Bizuths : "You should come. There is nothing to be afraid of, because even if this is an environment where there is a lot of rivalry, we are all competitors. Also, there is a lot of mutual aid onshore."
What brought you here?
Elodie Bonafous : When I was a kid, Armel was sailing on the Figaro 2 Brit Air. My parents worked for them, so we went sailing on the boat. This year I was particularly into the Solitaire du Figaro. I dreamed of it; all the great sailors were there.
According to you, what is the asset of the Figaro Beneteau Class?
Elodie Bonafous : Respect the rules, fit in a very precise framework, be meticulous, the measurement rules. It is all about the monotype. I think that is the point of the Figaro Beneteau Class.
What is it like to be a woman on the Figaro circuit?
Elodie Bonafous : In my first year, we were only two women with Violette. People always ask the same question at the end of a leg. “How is it to be a little less strong?” “What is it like to be a woman among men?” I am not a woman among men, I am a woman among sailors. In the end, the integration went easy. I believe that there is no difference between men and women. We are all sailors. Integration on the circuit was great because we are all competitors. We fight on the water, but we are also a big family, happy to have new members. There are more and more women, I hope it will go on like this.
What would you say to new Bizuths?
Elodie Bonafous : You should come. There is nothing to be afraid of, because even if this is an environment where there is a lot of rivalry, we are all competitors. Also, there is a lot of mutual aid onshore. When someone has a technical issue at the end of a leg, everyone works flat out to help the sailors to keep racing. It is all about some large-hearted people leaving for the same passion and dreaming of the same victory. It makes strong relationships. We are all living something amazing.
Your best memory?
Elodie Bonafous : The first time I passed the Fastnet because I think this is an iconic spot for the Figaro Beneteau Class. This was during my first Solitaire du Figaro. It was full of emotions, also I was second. It was a good time.
Your idol?
Elodie Bonafous : They all do amazing things. I think Armel Le Cleac’h because he comes from the bay. He won several Solitaire du Figaro. He is a rockstar!
Vidéo : Simeli Prod
Photo : Qaptur