« I propose to act as the conductor of this ensemble and successfully perform this symphony.»

Wood has been a companion throughout my life.

At 13, I took control of my life, aspiring to become a luthier and «transform trees into musical instruments.»

I attended the École Boulle in Paris, where for three years I learned cabinetmaking, marquetry, drawing, and precision crafts- manship.

The sea, sailing, and competition are my life.

Sailing began for me at age 10, introducing me to a new universe. My second major life shift occurred at 18 when I left the École Boulle and Paris behind for freedom, sai- ling, and open waters. I turned my passion into a career, progressing from teaching sailing to managing a nautical center, joining the French national team, and even- tually participating in professional offshore racing.

The Vendée Globe is «my race,» which I have competed in four times!

This solo, non-stop, and unassisted round- the-world yacht race is tailor-made for me. I finished 2nd in my very first Vendée Globe.

Our society must reduce its carbon foot- print and return to natural materials and fibers.

Even sailing, which harnesses the power of wind and water, continues to build boats with resin and carbon materials.

Sailing must «retro-innovate» to continue inspiring us.

We need to decouple performance from carbon dependency. Competition thrives on technology and innovation, offering a platform and financial means to drive this retro-innovation.

I almost became a luthier, crafting violins. Instead, my violins turned into boats. My life has always connected wood, the sea, boats, competition, and the Vendée Globe... while also forging new paths.

«Let’s make the forest sail!»

by Marc Thiercelin

Wood, Bamboo, the Sea, the Boat, the Vendée Globe ... and Me