Toulon-Corsica by sailboat, an alternative to the ferry?

“L’interest is in the journey and not just in the destination.” By paraphrasing the author Philippe Pollet-Villard, Maxime de Rostolan perfectly sums up Sailcoop’s state of mind. “The idea germinated a few years ago. Personally, I haven’t flown for eight years. However, I don’t want to deprive myself of the riches that travel brings.” So dilemma. But the green entrepreneur finds the solution. Sailing transport! “Knowing, in addition, that more than 97% of the boats remain at the quay. We optimize their use.”

The concept made its way, and around him, Maxime formed a small heterogeneous team (an offshore racer, a former port manager, a boat preparer…). Sailcoop can take off.

Three types of crossing

For journeys, the company offers three formulas. First the short distance. “This concerns the coastal islands. We can imagine for example Hyères – Porquerolles. The sailboat is then an alternative to the speedboats.” As an alternative to ferries, the passenger transport cooperative will offer Toulon – Corsica or even to the Balearic Islands. “For the winter season, the sailboats will go to the Canary Islands and the Antilles to make trips between the islands.” Finally, more ambitiously, Sailcoop wants to establish a transatlantic line.

Several options

Regarding the boat fleet, Maxime and his associates have delineated several options. “The coop will itself own sailboats. We have also launched a crowdfunding campaign (1) for this purpose. We are also going to manage boats. Finally, we also plan to ‘place’ passengers on sailboats that transport goods and have cabins.”

For what price?

Unsurprisingly, it will be more expensive than conventional transport. You have to pay skippers and sailors well.

For the transatlantic, the note should climb between 3,000 and 4,000 euros for a month and a half of travel. “Regarding Corsica from Toulon, for example, it should be around 180 euros one way. But you are housed and fed! And then, it’s really an experience that we want to bring to life.” Three rotations are already planned every two weeks. First crossing scheduled for May 6.

1. Participatory campaign on Lita.co

The company’s website: www.sailcoop.fr

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At 41, Maxime de Rostolan already has a rich career. Passionate about ecology, he is an engineer specializing in organic farming. Author of a book on water issues (Blue gold adventurers), he notably founded Blue Bees, a crowdfunding platform dedicated to agroecology projects. He then launched the concept of micro-farms in permaculture (the Farms of the Future), before continuing his career as an environmentalist and citizen lobbyist.

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