Marc and Safran: “We share the same values”. Marc Guillemot has often spoken about the relationship he has formed with his team and an “exceptional” sponsor. Here are some excerpts from previous articles and interviews.
How Marc Guillemot met his new sponsor
“The first time I heard the name of the industrial group Safran [which also means ‘rudder’ in French], I said to myself that that was a good sign,” says Marc with a smile. At the end of July 2005, through naval architect Vincent Lauriot Prévost, he was introduced to Safran, which was looking for a skipper for the boat it was going to sponsor. “I quickly got the feeling that we could really build something together.” In early November, Marc Guillemot learned that Safran had chosen him for its project. He didn’t hesitate a second, but quickly replied, “Great, let’s go!”
More than just a sponsor
“In the beginning, I was almost a bit shy about working with such a major corporation. But I soon saw that we shared the same human values, and we were able to establish a very privileged relationship, one that was sound, simple and open. Over time, more and more employees wanted to get involved in the technical aspects of the project. There are a lot of people at Safran who have a passion for their profession, just like in the world of sailing. And when two groups of passionate enthusiasts get together, things just click! In any case, for a skipper it’s extremely important to be able to count on a partner of this caliber.”
Safran is a real partner
“My sponsor plays a key role in driving improvements in the boat. It’s usually the skippers who do that, but I’m not the only one who wants to optimize the boat. I’ve taken advantage of a number of technology transfers from the Group. It’s a real partnership, and what makes the difference is the Group’s engineering culture and strong involvement in the project’s technological aspects.”
The only relationship of its kind with a sponsor
“Aerospace techniques are often similar to our requirements on boats. This has provided invaluable aid; in fact, it’s like a dream come true to be able to call on this type of expertise.”
Marc was in constant touch with his sponsor during the Vendée Globe
“My sponsor isn’t there to put pressure on me, but rather to support me – and sometimes to cheer me up when I need it. During the three months of this solo race, I received a huge number of messages of encouragement from Group employees and that was very gratifying.”
In fact, well before the end of the race, Safran management, keenly aware of the project’s success and of its skipper’s courage, humanity and commitment - key values for the Group - had told Marc that they were renewing his contract for another four years, all the way through the 2012 Vendée Globe.
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