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A Franco-Mexican tandem in the race

10/10/09

The starting shot of La Solidaire du Chocolat may not have been fired yet, but some highly symbolic happenings are already going on ashore. The highly emblematic last minute entry of a Franco-Mexican crew comprising Patrice Carpentier and Victor Maldonado brings the number of boats entered to 24. Ten different nationalities are now represented on this first run of race between Nantes / Saint-Nazaire and the Yucatan. Backed by the French Crédit Maritime bank, they will be flying the colours of the French lifeboat association, the SNSM together with seven Mexican associations. Patrice Carpentier is familiar to many of you as both skipper and yachting journalist. Among the pioneers of the Vendée Globe, Patrice raced the first 1989-1990 edition at a time when he was working with the Nouvel Observateur. Since then, he has continued to line up on the starting line of some of the most prestigious events he writes about in the columns of the specialized press.  A symbolic tandem for a race from France to Mexique
Among the founder members of the Class 40, Patrice Carpentier is a highly experienced and inspirational yachtsman. As a pillar of the series he defends so strongly, he has spent several months preparing for the start of this race. Pushing back the frontiers of ocean racing, the event is the exclusive reserve of members of the 40 foot class. 
Racing alongside Patrice is the only Mexican entrant, Victor Maldonado. He works as a consultant in the marine industry and lives in the Basque region. Over the years, he has created a great many professional and family links in France. Victor races whenever he gets the chance : Sydney-Hobart, Fastnet Race, Tour de France à la Voile, Spi Ouest France to name but a few. That said, racing two-handed across the Atlantic is a new challenge. The very idea of sailing across to his home country is quite simply enchanting for him. « A dream come true ». Maldonado is a proud ambassador of the country hosting the finish, and guarantees us that the « welcome in the Yucatan will be nothing short of exceptional ».

 The Crédit Maritime, the SNSM lifeboat association and Mexican associations in the same boat
As good news and symbols never come in ones, the Franco-Mexican crew is representing an association to which the sea-faring fraternity is truly devoted. Welcome to the SNSM and all rescue organizations taking part in the adventure alongside the seven Mexican associations representing projects in eco-tourism and sustainable development. Respect for Maya identity and culture. One big associative family working on the coastline of both the race start and finish has joined the most emblematic crew taking part, entered at the last minute thanks to the support of the Crédit Maritime bank. 
« We are very proud to be accompanying this highly symbolic team. Our undertaking reflects the coup de cœur we had for this new ocean race, a race which defends the values we represent every day with our clients : solidarity, open-mindedness, sincerity and professionalism », explains Yves Parrot, CEO of this differently minded bank. « The Crédit Maritime is present on the coast and most of our members are former maritime professionals. This makes for strong links with the SNSM. Our involvement in the Solidaire du Chocolat has come about thanks to a fortunate set of circumstances. The fact that the Crédit Maritime’s boat also bears the colours of Mexican associations enhances the meaning of the whole. We convey our best wishes to Patrice and Victor, as to all their fellow competitors.”



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