My Boat and I
Over 70 years old and unforgettable adventure around the world aboard an Astréa 42
Michel & Minouche
A great retrospective of a three-year trip around the world
Michel Delaitre and Minouche (Marie Glorieux to give her her real name), two owners of a Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42, have just completed their round-the-world voyage after more than 3 years under way.
This unforgettable voyage to discover the natural wonders of the globe took them through almost 55 countries territories, and also offered them a more unexpected immersion in cultures very different from their native France.
With 120 stopovers and thousands of miles covered, their adventure is a testament to a shared passion for the sea, sailing and exploration. It was with great pleasure, and a touch of emotion, that we met up once again with these adventurous septuagenarians for an ultimate debrief.
A 3-year look back at a round-the-world catamaran sailing on a Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42
12:23
A carefully thought-out project
The idea of sailing around the world was born in the minds of Michel and Minouche after several years of reflection. Michel, with decades of sailing experience under his belt, and Minouche, a novice but enthusiastic sailor, decided they wanted to turn their dream voyage into reality. It took three years of preparation before they finally weighed anchor, and this constituted a period of in-depth reflection: what type of boat to choose, how to organise the legs and which destinations to aim for. After trying out various types of boat, the couple opted for a catamaran, attracted by its advantages in terms of comfort and stability.
The Astréa 42 model appeared to them to be the perfect compromise between performance, comfort and price; ideal dimensions and performance under sail that has nothing to envy monohulls.
Sailing towards new horizons, yes, but with a clear plan in mind
Organising a voyage lasting several years and sailing right around the world requires meticulous preparation. That’s why Michel and Minouche took the time to draw up a very detailed itinerary yet remained flexible so as to keep some of the unknown in this voyage and add a little more magic. They planned to avoid certain high-risk areas, particularly those where piracy is a danger, such as the Suez Canal and certain regions of Madagascar.
Their route was mapped out taking into account the prevailing winds, seasons and weather conditions. After spending several weeks at sea, sometimes up to 28 days non-stop, they learned to better understand the marine environment and to adapt their route according to the vagaries of the climate. The weather inevitably played a decisive role in their adventure, aided by modern navigation tools and a weather router ashore, who regularly sent them detailed forecasts. This information was essential for them to sail safely, avoiding storms and optimising their passages.
Unforgettable encounters
Michel and Minouche’s voyage was laden with memorable moments, both human and in nature. One of the most memorable was an encounter with a giant whale that suddenly emerged from the water near the boat, an event that left a lasting impression on Minouche. “It looked me straight in the eye before diving back in. That moment of wonder was also tinged with fear, but it’s an experience I’ll never forget,” she recounted with emotion. Dolphins, sea turtles and rorquals also crossed their path, transforming their daily life at sea into a succession of natural spectacles.
The couple also met plenty of local people during their stopovers. One particular memory stands out for them: their arrival in a remote village on the island of Tanna in the Pacific Ocean, where the locals welcomed them with wreaths of flowers. It was an emotional moment, and a testament to the humanity they encountered during their adventure.
Enjoyable and safe sailing thanks to the performance of their Astréa 42
The Astréa 42, which they had chosen for its stability and performance at sea, more than lived up to Michel and Minouche’s expectations. On board, the couple discovered with enthusiasm that the catamaran offers excellent performance when sailing upwind with ease. “We sailed at speeds of 12 to 15 knots on some passages, with just a mainsail and a genoa. It was incredible,” said Michel.
The catamaran enabled them to make fast, comfortable passages, even in windy conditions. They learned to manoeuvre with ease, adjusting the balance between the sails, and always felt very safe on board.
An emotional return home
Their voyage has drawn to a close, and although their return to shore has been tinged with nostalgia, Michel and Minouche are savouring the memories of their journey. “It’s a mixture of pride and sadness. We’re happy to have fulfilled our dream, but it’s hard to leave this life at sea,” confided Michel. With the experience accumulated and the indelible memories of their stopovers, the couple will now be able to rest up a little and share their adventures with family and friends before focusing on some new projects, we hope! Their family and friends, who were initially reluctant, are now proud of their daring adventure.
Their travelogue is inspiring and shows that dreams can come true at any age. At 75 and 72, Michel and Minouche have shown that adventure knows no age and that the sea offers incomparable freedom and a wealth of experiences. After a voyage such as this, all that remains is to share their story, to inspire others to head offshore.
