The Vendée Va’a is a Polynesian open-sea canoe race that brings together more than 250 rowers. It is identified as the most difficult event in the world according to competitors (cold, short waves and wind phases).

At Ys, Polynesia is part of our culture with the development of wave energy projects on the different archipelagos and especially with the presence in Tahiti of Mauna Reveil, one of our project managers!

Ys sponsors the Va’a Polynesian team

A great opportunity for Ys to sponsor the Polynesian team TUAIVA NUI VA’A from the island of Moorea (Tahiti’s sister island)! The team was created in 2009 by the Tauhiro brothers to promote the practice of Va’a, a traditional Polynesian canoe, and to proudly defend the colors of Moorea. This is the first time they have come to Les Sables d’Olonne to participate in the Vendée Va’a, which has established itself as one of the most prestigious Polynesian canoe races in the world.

It is also an opportunity to discover the customs of the city of Les Sables d’Olonne, which is used to major maritime events. A territory that is not lacking in potential!

Corinne DUBOIS (president of Ys) and Josselin Guyot-Téphany (project manager in Vendée) were present on Friday 10th May in Les Sables d’Olonne to encourage the Va’a team. Ys was alongside the members of TUAIVA NUI VAA TAHITI MOOREA, from the launching of the Va’a until its arrival early in the afternoon on the Grande Plage in Les Sables d’Olonne.

Great results in this international race

🥈 And it is with great joy that the team climbs to the second step of the podium, despite the coolness of the water!

“This accomplishment is an immense source of pride for the TUAIVA NUI association” declares Marie Jacky Forre, member of the association.

Bringing together two territories shaped by the sea

For Ys Energies Marines Développement, it was about celebrating the reunion of two territories shaped by the sea and knowing how to take advantage of their energy to produce decarbonized electricity: Polynesia and Les Sables d’Olonne.

The day ended in the late afternoon at the Les Régates bar with a drink, traditional biscuits from the region and Polynesian songs accompanied by Ukulele.