Message from Chirac

Geronimo crew praised by French premier

After spending a night on a swinging mooring, Geronimo was able to moor at the quayside in Yokohama in the early hours this morning. Once port authorities had made all their checks, the crew were able to disembark for a well-earned rest. As usual, skipper Olivier de Kersauson preferred to remain aboard the trimaran.

The Capgemini Schneider Electric-sponsored maxi trimaran crew were given a traditional champagne welcome ashore by the French Ambassador to Japan, Gildas Le Lidec. This formal event was widely covered by the Japanese media. This morning, Olivier de Kersauson and his crew received the following extremely warm greeting from the French President, Jacques Chirac.

Paris, 28 April 2006
The President of the Republic

Dear Olivier,

On board your trimaran Geronimo, you have just set a new record for the crewed crossing of the Pacific under sail from East to West in 14 days, 22 hours and 40 minutes, and it gives me great pleasure to convey to you my very best and warmest congratulations on succeeding in this marvelous exploit, and to do so on behalf of all your fellow Frenchmen and women.

The experience you have acquired in your long racing career, your ability to overcome extremely difficult weather conditions and your universally recognized talents as skipper have enabled you to lead your crew to victory. You have shattered Steve Fossett’s record by over 4 days.

You have, in great style, added to your exceptional winning record with this impressive success, and once again given us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all that is great in French sailing. We all share in the happiness of your collective success.

I hope you will accept, Olivier de Kersauson, this expression of my cordial friendship and great esteem.

Jacques Chirac