Over 20 years of cruising on Lola of Skagen
For Jean-François Garenne and Margot Peeters, a page is about to be turned. The couple acquired Lola of Skegen in 1994. After a few years of part-time work, they have been working on board since 2002, taking passengers to sail in the Charente channels and in many European sailing basins. As the time for retirement approaches, they have decided to anticipate the handover of the business, and are looking for a future buyer who is ready to take over the helm of the boat, as its captain explains: "This can be done over a few years. The idea is to give ourselves time to do things properly and select the candidate with the most viable project. Then we can support them as best we can
A 105-year-old boat, refurbished in 2011
Born as a fishing boat in Denmark in 1919, then at the forefront of the first mixed units combining sail and motor, Lola of Skagen fished until 1946 east of Jutland, before disappearing from radar following a mine explosion. She reappeared in 1950 in western Denmark and continued fishing until 1975. She was then reconditioned by a Dutchman for sailing, with a lighter engine, until Jean-François and Margot purchased her in 1994. Capable of accommodating 10 passengers with 2 crew, Lola of Skagen nevertheless suffered the ravages of time, and tarets imposed a major refit in 2011, with 7,000 hours of work changing the hull and deck planking, as well as numerous structural parts. Jean-François explains: "If around 40% of the original parts remain, the boat is now perfectly sound."
Cruises rather than day trips
The company has found an original and viable business model in its 25 years of operation, preferring long cruises to day trips, as its captain sums up: "There are 2 main periods. In spring and autumn, we offer 2 to 5-day outings departing from Oléron, with or without a theme, with a level of commitment that depends on the crew's expectations, from a tour of the inlets to more committed sailing in the Bay of Biscay. Each summer, we then choose a sailing area in Europe where we'll go on an itinerant tour, with sections lasting from 7 to 10 days. For example, we've been to Ireland, Galicia and England. With full accommodation and a budget of around ?350 per weekend, we're close to sailing school prices, but with a different offer. As a result, we've built up a loyal following of returning customers, 60-80% of whom are individuals, coming back to discover new sailing locations."
Here's a hint to sailor entrepreneurs who want to bring an old rig to life and discover traditional sailing.
