[et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d40px||40px||true|\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n
\nAt 34 years old, Florian Richard is one of the youngest captains in the PONANT fleet. The sea is his element, and passion for what he does is what drives him. After participating in the building of Le Lap\u00e9rouse, which was launched in July 2018 and is the first of the PONANT Explorers series of ships, Florian Richard then took command of it.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n
What kind of relationship do you have with the sea?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Florian Richard :<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The sea is undeniably one of\u00a0<\/span>the last remaining realms of freedom<\/strong>. On a boat, you can choose your course, your destination and your schedule without having to account for it. \u201cPrendre le large\u201d [to take off, run away \u2013 lit. to head out to sea], \u201clarguer les amarres\u201d [to leave everything behind \u2013 lit. to cast off] \u201chissez les voiles\u201d [to set sail] are all expressions that illustrate just how\u00a0<\/span>therapeutic<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>and\u00a0<\/span>beneficial\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>the sea<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>is for men and women who have the need to let themselves be carried far from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and to find themselves again. The sea has a powerful ability to get you to\u00a0<\/span>disconnect\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>and\u00a0<\/span>refocus yourself<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
You do however need to be very\u00a0<\/span>vigilant\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>onboard a ship, when participating in nautical leisure activities, and even when simply walking by the shore. Water is a highly unpredictable element that can be as powerfully violent as it is calm and soothing. I both love and fear it; the sea\u00a0<\/span>fascinates\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>me.<\/p>\n
Why did you choose cruse ships rather than merchant ships?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Florian Richard :<\/strong>I\u2019ve always wanted to\u00a0<\/span>take others travelling<\/strong>, even more than I\u2019ve wanted to travel myself. I signed up for the French merchant navy entrance exams and application process at 17 years old already knowing that I wanted to be an officer onboard a\u00a0<\/span>cruise ship<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>responsible for operating sea voyages. The attractiveness this holds for me has increased constantly with each voyage I\u2019ve embarked on. Since I took command, it\u2019s really taken on its full meaning. I get a great deal of pleasure from bringing the cruise to life for the passengers, above and beyond all the wonderful ports of call and\u00a0<\/span>new experiences<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>and\u00a0<\/span>encounters\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>on offer.<\/p>\n
I also particularly like the technical aspects of navigating a ship. I have to manoeuvre in and out of different ports every day, in highly changeable\u00a0<\/span>wind conditions<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>and through layouts that require you to be able to control your ship down to the accuracy of a single metre. It\u2019s highly\u00a0<\/span>exhilarating<\/strong>.
And finally, working with a mixed crew (made up of both technical and hospitality staff) is richly rewarding in a way you don\u2019t find onboard merchant ships.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||5px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcontain\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/DE-LE-LAPEROUSE.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dDE-LE-LAPEROUSE\u201d title_text=\u201dDE-LE-LAPEROUSE\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n
You watched the \u2018birth\u2019 of ships such as Le Bor\u00e9al, Le Sol\u00e9al and Le Lap\u00e9rouse, the first ship in the PONANT Explorers series, prior to captaining them. What was your role throughout this programme of ship building? How long does it take to build a vessel of this kind?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Florian Richard :<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Under the direction of\u00a0<\/span>Mathieu Petiteau<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>[the Director of New Constructions and Research and Development at PONANT \u2013 Ed.] and working alongside other navigators and engineers, I was responsible for approving and taking delivery of bridge, safety and navigation equipment. There are\u00a0<\/span>several stages<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>involved in the monitoring of a ship building project. It all begins with the drawing up of a ship specification, then comes the review of the plans and the process of optimising the design. The actual construction follows next, almost a year and a half prior to\u00a0<\/span>final delivery<\/strong>, and the ship has to be checked to ensure it matches the plans, from the thickness of the fire insulation through to the positions of the navigation instruments on the bridge. There are some parts you can only see when the ship is being built, and many changes are made to the original plans during this phase. The aim is to end up with\u00a0<\/span>the most ergonomic vessel<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>possible.<\/p>\n
I was lucky enough to be able to watch three ships being built at the shipyard in three different roles: safety officer, first mate and captain. I focussed on very different systems and tasks each time, ranging from pure technology through to management.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s it like to then take command and see them head out to sea for the first time?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Florian Richard :<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>It\u2019s first and foremost very reassuring to sail on a ship that you know inside out. You understand what\u2019s behind the walls, why the stairs are on the port side and not the starboard side, what the\u00a0<\/span>safety equipment<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>is, etc.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s\u00a0<\/span>magical\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>seeing a large ship growing and taking shape from simple panels of sheet metal, being present when it\u2019s first launched in the water, finding out what it feels like to sail during the sea tests, and then finally\u00a0<\/span>welcoming the first passengers<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>onboard in a luxurious, comfortable and technically advanced environment.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||5px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcontain\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/florian-richard-commandantjpg.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dflorian-richard-commandantjpg\u201d title_text=\u201dflorian-richard-commandantjpg\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d]<\/p>\n
What are the most inspirational places you\u2019ve sailed to? And why?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Florian Richard :<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Without a doubt, the places that remind us that our daily lives in the West are very\u00a0<\/span>different\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>from those of many other people on the planet. Set foot on a beach in\u00a0<\/span>Papua New Guinea<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>or a village in\u00a0<\/span>Greenland<\/a>\u00a0<\/span>and you\u2019ll quickly forget your annual property co-owners\u2019 meeting worries, etc.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ll never forget one particular port of call at an island in northern\u00a0<\/span>Madagascar<\/strong>, during a voyage onboard\u00a0<\/span>Le Ponant<\/strong>. A passenger had got herself ready. She\u2019d put lots of make-up on and was wearing numerous items of jewellery for a visit to a small village on the beach. When she got there, she was greeted by around a\u00a0<\/span>dozen children<\/strong>, all smiling faces and dancing naked around her. I saw in the eyes of that passenger that she felt completely out of place with the situation. She removed her jewellery and gave it to the children. She even voluntarily followed them down to the sea, where she had a great time in the water with them, allowing her make-up to run and with a big smile on her face. This is the aspect of travel that really\u00a0<\/span>affects me deeply<\/strong>, the opening of one\u2019s eyes and heart to the world as it really is. And small-sized ships such as the PONANT ones, by providing\u00a0<\/span>unique experiences<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>of discovery and encounter, make it possible to get as close to nature and local populations as possible.<\/p>\n
When not actually navigating a ship, what kind of traveller are you?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Florian Richard :<\/strong>\u00a0I like it when it\u2019s busy and\u00a0<\/span>exciting<\/strong>! There needs to be one or two\u00a0<\/span>activities\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>per day, but they shouldn\u2019t be too strictly organised. I like to set off knowing which places to stop off at, and to allow myself enough time to seize an opportunity, make the most of a chance encounter.<\/span>
I always include a mixture of both sport and cultural activities on my trips. It\u2019s a non-negotiable combination if you want to come travelling with me.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d width=\u201d100%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||5px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcontain\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/interview-florian-richard-commandant-ponant.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dinterview-florian-richard-commandant-ponant\u201d title_text=\u201dinterview-florian-richard-commandant-ponant\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.5\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||40px||false|false\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d theme_builder_area=\u201dpost_content\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n
At 34 years old, you\u2019re now at the command of a new ship and one of the youngest captains at PONANT. What are your dreams ?<\/strong><\/h3>\n