This article marks the start of a series of testimonials and information on disabled sailing.

Integrating people with disabilities into water sports activities represents a major challenge, but also a tremendous opportunity for social inclusion. Through the remarkable experience developed in the Lorient area, we discover how handi-sailing is becoming not only a sport accessible to all, but also a powerful tool for personal and social development. This exemplary initiative is a perfect illustration of how sport can contribute to a more inclusive society, while offering opportunities for local innovation.

Bastien Seantier's pioneering career in disabled sailing

Bastien Seantier's adventure in disabled sailing began by a happy coincidence. Wishing to return to competitive sailing, he found himself part of a disabled crew at a regatta. What was supposed to be a simple participation turned into a long-term commitment. Bastien became a director of the disabled section of the Centre Nautique de Lorient (CNL) and has gradually developed this activity, which was initially limited to a single boat made available by an owner.

Who is Bastien Seantier?

Bastien Seantier is a lecturer at the Université Bretagne Sud, where he teaches at the IUT Lorient-Pontivy. He is also a researcher specialising in cellulose-based bio-sourced materials, in particular cellulose foams, moulded cellulose and implications, with a number of notable scientific publications to his credit:

• Spray freeze-dried nanofibrillated cellulose aerogels with thermal superinsulating properties :

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0144861716311249

• Ultra-fast heat dissipating aerogels derived from polyaniline anchored cellulose nanofibers as sustainable microwave absorbers 

  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0144861720308377

In addition to his academic activities, Bastien Seantier has distinguished himself through his commitment to inclusion and disability, particularly in the field of sailing. Active for nearly eight years at the Centre Nautique de Lorient (CNL), he has contributed to the creation and development of a dynamic disabled sailing section. At university, he has initiated research and innovation projects around water sports and disability, promoting awareness and inclusion in these activities.

His commitment was recognised by the town of Lorient, which rewarded him for his exemplary involvement in local community life, particularly in the ‘Health and Disability’ category.

Over the years, thanks to a clear vision and an ability to seize opportunities, Bastien has been able to forge strategic partnerships and find financing to acquire a suitable fleet. An initial agreement with Sea Air enabled us to borrow eight Mini Js, before putting in place a financing plan to buy them. The RTE sponsorship then made it possible to acquire four additional boats, bringing the total fleet to thirteen boats of four different types, all adapted and supported by the Fédération Française de Voile.

Coming soon: article 2: An inclusive ecosystem