Peyron Shares Skills & Insights
Although this summer’s America’s Cup activities have seen plenty of bad news and controversy lately, the build-up to AC 34 has also spawned some decidedly upbeat news stories. A case in point was Fred Eagle’s recent report about the legendary Loick Peyron’s outreach to local disabled sailors.
As most Latitude readers undoubtedly know, the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors (BAADS) has long been a shining example of how time spent on the water can have therapeutic effects physically, while brightening the attitudes of disabled participants.
Peyron, who has adopted the Bay Area as his temporary home while working for Artemis Racing’s Cup campaign, took time off his busy schedule to participate in the Awareness Regatta 2 in late May. Following the lead of Oracle Team USA’s Brian MacInnes and Sam Newton, who participated in the first Awareness Regatta, Peyron ran the course this time against keen BAADS competitors.
Eagle explains, "We rumbled up in Loick’s ‘65 Ford truck just in time for the skipper’s meeting. The dock was already a hive of activity, sailors and volunteers bustled around while the media tried our best to stay out of the way.
"The BAADS were thrilled to see Loick, and he wasted no time rolling up his sleeves and immersing himself into the preparations and dock-out procedure, providing a motivating soundtrack with his signature whistling lilt and occasional percussive chuckle. There was a very comfortable level of focus and organization on shore which maintained the necessary dynamic of seriousness and laughter. No surprises there, efficiency and smoothing out the edges while putting everyone at ease is what Loick does best.
"One by one the sailors departed from the dock with Loick’s assistance, and when the dock was clear he climbed into his boat and headed off to the course."
None of the BAADS sailors were able to beat Peyron around the buoys, but he certainly inspired them, both on and off the course.
That evening, as Eagle reports, "Loick discussed everything from his early days in the Mini-Transat to the Trophee Jules Verne to the AC, and all stops in-between. Topics like family, perseverance, fatigue, ‘the French way’, and even the current climate of sailing in Asia were all addressed with an insouciance and wit exclusive to Mr. Peyron. Throughout the chat, Loick emphasized safety at sea and the importance of preparation and proper training, a hot-button topic for our local sailing community. Hearing the wisdom and insight from his lifetime of sailing experience was an invaluable gift to everyone there."
The evening concluded with the event’s mastermind Fernanda Castelo, leading the crowd in a rollicking round of For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow. Nice job, Loick —an inspirational guy if ever there was one.