Interview with Pierre P., owner of an Oceanis 41

« The Oceanis 41 combines cruising and day-to-day performance perfectly; it’s a decision I have absolutely no regrets about today. »

Can you introduce yourself ?

My name is Pierre Pascual and I am French.

How did you start sailing?

I started dinghy sailing in the 1970s on Lac du Bourget. From my teenage years onwards, I was inspired to seek adventure by the stories of Bernard Moitessier and the "Damien" expedition.

My passion really developed when I undertook a training course on a cruising sailboat in 1979, and also when I chartered other cruising sailboats between 1979 and 1980.

What are your most memorable sailing experiences ?

I have some wonderful memories of sailing under Code 0 in the Moisie Channel (Bréhat) when the wind was blowing at 15 to 20 knots.

Who do you usually sail with ?

I sail single-handed, but I also sometimes sail with one or two crew members – highly experienced sailors who are 76 and 84 years old.

Is there a destination or moment at sea that has left a lasting impression on you ?

Without hesitation, the sunrises during my first crossing of the English Channel, as well as the numerous anchorages along the Britanny coastline.

Why did you choose a BENETEAU sailboat ?

I sailed an Oceanis 45 in Miami in 2011 and was immediately attracted by the design. This naturally led me to buy an Oceanis 41 in 2013.

Why did you choose this specific model ?

The Oceanis 41 combines cruising and day-to-day performance perfectly; it’s a decision I have absolutely no regrets about today.

Have you customized your sailboat?

Of course! I wanted to improve my sailing boat’s versatility and self-sufficiency, so I decided to add a fixed staysail, a new high-performance full-batten mainsail, and solar panels paired with a wind turbine to benefit of electric autonomy.

What are your future sailing plans ?