“Lola of Skagen”, emblematic sailboat of the island of Oléron, has found its new family

Putting on sale last spring, the wooden boat built in 1919 therefore found takers at the start of the year. For thirty years, Jean-François Garenne and his wife Margot Peeters were at the helm of this 22 m boat moored on the island of Oléron, at the port of Saint-Denis-d’Oléron. The couple offered the old -fashioned navigations there for several days, making the majestic sailboat well known in the Pertuis Charentais.

“They have the same sacred fire”

Attached to their ship, Jean-François and Margot were waiting to have a “crush” for future buyers. This is done for the coconuts Sail Team, name given to the joyful tribe made up of Natasha Gonzalez, his spouse Jay Thompson – both work in the field of offshore – and their four children. “We are very happy, these are people who have the same sacred fire as us, thirty years ago! Also with a lot of skills in terms of navigation, ”says the former captain.

The new family of “Lola” will live on board in Etel (Morbihan), Brittany, where they threw anchor nine years ago. No more cruises, the crew focuses on events. “Weddings, team building, film filming, maritime festivals, departure and arrivals of the big offshore races … There are many possibilities on this exceptional ship,” explains Nathasha Gonzalez. The Sail Team Coconuts is currently on its new boat in Sables-d’Olonne (Vendée) for the Vendée Globe. “And we have the best place so that the general public can live arrivals in the channel and at sea!” Promises this enthusiast.