Portrait of a skipper: Sandrine Vachette, a passion for the sea … between diving and sailing

Portrait

Born in Meudon la Forêt, Sandrine grew up in the Paris region, where she studied to become an engineer in embedded computing.

By the age of 14, she had already developed a passion for scuba diving. She quickly climbed the different levels and obtained her state certificate at the age of 29.

At the age of 22, with her engineering degree in her pocket, she left the Paris region for Toulon, where she joined the DCNS group (now Naval group).

Finally living by the sea, she indulged her passion for diving, but gradually discovered sailing during weekend regattas. She took a liking to it and in 1996 bought herself a love-love, a small 22 feet sailboat, so that she could continue learning to sail on her own, albeit with a few scares.

In 2010, after reading “La Longue Route” by Bernard Moitessier, which “changed the course of her life”, Sandrine bought a 32 feet steel sailboat. that she brings from Crozon to Toulon. She prepared it meticulously and tamed it during a series of solo sailings between Toulon, Corsica and Italy, before taking a sabbatical year to circumnavigate the Atlantic.

With her taste for sailing confirmed, in 2015 she and her partner bought a JNF38, which they prepared and optimised, before setting off on a 35,000-mile sail over 3 years between Toulon, Panama, Polynesia, Patagonia and Antarctica.

On her return to Toulon, she embarked on a career change in the world of sailing, gaining a Captain 200 Sailing, a Yachtmaster Ocean and a 750KW mechanic’s diploma.

Since then, she has been offering her skills as a small-scale fishing sailor, diving instructor and skipper for convoy and charter operations.

She is preparing a new journey to 2025, this time with no planned return date…

Gastronautical confessions

How do you see your role as a skipper?

It’s to steer the boat as well as possible to satisfy the pleasure of those on board.

In particular, this involves choosing a sailing plan adapted to each person’s wishes and abilities, taking account of the weather conditions to ensure safety on board.

What is your relationship with nature?

I admire nature and as a sailor I respect its power.

I’m also fully aware of its fragility. That’s why I try to minimise our impact on the environment.

Your relationship to the maritime world?

The sea has been part of my life for a very long time.

It’s a world in which we must constantly adapt our behaviour. This makes it particularly lively and interesting.

Being a player in the maritime world is a privilege.

What is your experience of sailing?

As a long-distance sailor, I’m very familiar with this type of sailing. It’s my job and my pleasure to share it.

But the world of sailing is vast and varied: regattas, classic yachts, ocean racing, …
I still have so much to learn.

Your knowledge of the Golden Islands archipelago?

I’ve been diving since I was almost a baby, and I know the underwater fauna and flora of Port-Cros, Porquerolles and Bagaud very well.

Living on my yacht in Toulon, I take the opportunity to explore the coves and anchorages of the Golden Islands and the surrounding area to vary the pleasures from one cruise to the next.

Your participation in SAIL & COOK cruises?

Sailing allows you to get back to basics, to the pleasure of living and taking your time.

The combination of cooking and sailing creates an atmosphere of well-being that I’m delighted to be part of.