THE RIDE OF
RESPECT
Some things are just meant to go together: yachts and water, the Dutch and cycling, training and challenges and Monaco and boat shows. But what happens when you take each of these perfect pairings and bring them together all for one purpose: loving our oceans?
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
In September 2024, eight Damen Yachting employees set off on the biggest challenge the yard has participated in to date. Cycling a total of 1,514 km (including 13,141 metres of climbing) from the shipyard in Vlissingen, the Netherlands to the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco with just one support car. The goal? To raise funds and awareness to support ocean conservation - a topic that is central to the company's dedication to protecting life below water.
The challenge was inspired by the original London to Monaco charity ride organised by the Blue Marine Foundation. However, when the Organisation announced that they would limit the ride to only 3 days, the team of cyclists, who were already in training, quickly formulated a new plan. Michael Coens, Head of Refit & Service at Damen Yachting, who had completed the London to Monaco ride three times previously, explains further.
"After a few meetings and some serious team motivation for the physical challenge, we decided to go ahead with it. We knew it needed to be a big challenge if we were to raise the substantial sponsorship we wanted to achieve for the ocean awareness campaign."
The Route
Team Spirit
A physical challenge of this nature isn't just something you can turn up to. The team prepared with an average of 250 km per week over 4-6 months. A significant commitment both physically and practically when combined with work and family but one Michel maintains was completely worth it.
"The adventure combined with the amazing scenery of the wine regions of France we cycled through and the camaraderie between the team were the highlights for me. When you endeavor on an adventure like this, it is not something you do as an individual but as a team. You create an understanding for each other and rely on teamwork. We all realised how strong we were as a team and how we were willing to work for each other and help and support another through the tough days - which we all had. You motivate each other on a different level. It forms a bond which lasts for a long time."
Pedal Power
Pedaling every single day for 10 days solid is enough to test even the best trained and seasoned cyclists. Team Captain Bibi Tattje, Damen Yachting Project Secretary, who was embarking on a challenge of this level for the very first time, experienced the gruel that goes into seeing something like this through.
"Having to cycle at least 170 km every day, without rest or time to recover and then doing this for 10 days straight is character building to say the least. The 200 km+ day was one I'm not sure anyone of us will forget but it was also really something to be proud of!"
Ocean Inspired
The challenge was one thing but goal behind it was the key purpose for motivating the team and all those who supported the event. Ocean pollution is a growing global concern and proactively looking at how we can support the protection of the oceans is something Damen Yachting takes very seriously using their #LOVEOUROCEANS campaigns serving an umbrella for their initiatives. In the context of the ride, Bibi explains what it meant for the team.
"Our oceans are so unique and beautiful that there is no time to waste. Immediate action needs to be taken to preserve them. Knowing that every kilometre we cycled would play a part in positively contributing to this important cause was a key motivator."
When asked if they would consider doing such a challenge again, Bibi didn't hesitate in saying yes.
"Being part of a something like the Vlissingen to Monaco ride challenges and pushes you to be the best version of yourself. And the reward is an immense amount of pride. It is very special knowing you are doing something for a cause greater than yourself. Something that will make a difference."
Damen Yachting would like to thank everyone who so generously sponsored and supported our team.