[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][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][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\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 header_3_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_3_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d13px||13px||true|\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n
\nThe sailors \u00c9tienne Garcia and Patrick Marchesseau both have remarkable stories to tell! It\u2019s the story of two young mariners who have since become seasoned PONANT captains<\/b>, among a select few French captains able to navigate icy waters<\/b>. These two captains will soon provide their experience aboard a vessel named for a fellow polar explorer, Le Commandant Charcot<\/i><\/b><\/a>: the first polar cruise ship<\/a> with a hybrid LNG propulsion system that is capable of sailing through icy waters<\/b>. These two intrepid captains have many more adventures to look forward to!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d||||||||\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.8em\u201d link_font=\u201d||||on||||\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_3_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_3_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_3_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d header_4_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_4_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_4_font_size=\u201d22px\u201d header_4_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d header_5_font=\u201d|700|||||||\u201d header_5_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_5_font_size=\u201d18px\u201d header_5_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d header_6_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_6_font_size=\u201d16px\u201d header_6_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d text_orientation=\u201djustified\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||5px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n
Falling in love with the sea<\/b><\/h3>\n
We\u2019d like to introduce \u00c9tienne Garcia<\/b>, who has roots in both Anjou and Spain and Patrick Marchesseau<\/b>, from La Rochelle. The two have been driven by a conviction to \u201clive in the open ocean\u201d<\/i> since they were young, and at their own pace both spent time at the site then known as l\u2019Hydro<\/i>, l\u2019\u00c9cole nationale de la marine marchande<\/b> [the French National Merchant Navy School]. This was when they both went on their first tours of duty, spending time on oil tankers, container ships, freighters and ferries. \u201cMy aim was to be <\/i>aboard a ship as often as I could<\/i><\/b>,\u201d<\/i> recalls Captain Garcia. In the late 1990s, Patrick Marchesseau was already following in the wake of his \u201cold mate\u201d<\/i> \u00c9tienne Garcia. Together they oversaw the construction of the liners Paul Gauguin<\/i> and Mistral<\/i> in the construction sites of Saint-Nazaire.<\/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=\u201d7px||5px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\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][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Commandants.png\u201d alt=\u201dEtienne Garcia et Patrick Marchesseau : 2 capitaines experts de la navigation polaire\u201d title_text=\u201dcapitaines-navigation-polaire\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\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][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d||||||||\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.8em\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_3_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_3_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_3_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d text_orientation=\u201djustified\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||-25px|||\u201d custom_padding=\u201d1px||0px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n
Getting a taste for icy waters<\/b><\/h3>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/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 locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d||||||||\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.8em\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_3_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_3_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_3_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d text_orientation=\u201djustified\u201d min_height=\u201d296px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d21px||8px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n
Going ever further and pushing the boundaries of navigation<\/b>. This is what has always driven these two captains. Once they got their first taste of polar exploration<\/b> they knew they had found their calling. \u00c9tienne Garcia<\/b> first travelled the icy waters in 2005, aboard <\/b>Le Diamant<\/i><\/b>, an expedition ship which has just been purchased by PONANT. He acted as the ship\u2019s captain until 2010, when Patrick Marchesseau<\/b> took the helm. \u201cThis was around the time of our first voyages to Greenland and to Antarctica<\/i>,\u201d recounts Captain Garcia. \u201cThese exhilarating crossings were an epic introduction to the speciality!<\/i>\u201d With polar navigation<\/b>, as their ship made its way through the drifting sea ice<\/b><\/a>, both captains had to draw on the purest form of seamanship as well as the passion that had driven them when as young men they read about the exploits of the greatest polar explorers<\/b>, of Nansen, Amundsen, Charcot and Victor. It was time for them to add a voyage of their own to the history books.<\/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=\u201d7px||5px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\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][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Austral_Iceberg_PortCharcot_Antarctique\u00a9StudioPONANT_ClementLouineau-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dEtienne Garcia et Patrick Marchesseau : 2 capitaines experts de la navigation polaire\u201d title_text=\u201dcapitaines-navigation-polaire\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||5px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d||||||||\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.8em\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_3_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_3_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_3_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d text_orientation=\u201djustified\u201d min_height=\u201d296px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n
The art of navigating the poles<\/b><\/h3>\n
Being the captain of a ship navigating icy waters requires extensive preparation. With the full weight of their navigation experience, captains Garcia and Marchesseau learned the basics of ice navigation with deference and keen observation before taking command. Alongside great humility and keen observation, skilled patience and selflessness are required to navigate the poles<\/b>. \u201cA position like this is gold dust, but you have to earn your stripes<\/i>,\u201d explains \u00c9tienne Garcia.<\/i> \u201cThis is why it is essential to take things one step at a time.<\/i> My experience as an officer of the deck helped give me the tools I needed to become the captain I am today. These skills were really useful during my first few years in Antarctica.\u201d<\/i> He also had to call on this experience in the middle of the Arctic ocean<\/b><\/a> when he managed the first crossing of the Northwest Passage by a passenger ship<\/b> operating under a French flag \u2013 which was of course also a first for PONANT. That was in 2013, with Le Sol\u00e9al<\/i>\u2026 what an adrenaline rush that was! \u201cThat was without a doubt one of my fondest memories of working with this company!\u201d<\/i> This was followed by his first voyages to Chukotka, next to Alaska, and to Kamchatka, deep in the Russian Far East. Captain Marchesseau hasn\u2019t forgotten his first crossing in 2014 either, nor the attempt in 2018, which was abandoned due to excessive ice levels. \u201cAt the time,\u201d<\/i> he recounts, \u201cwe worked alongside the ice navigators. And I was very happy to have them with us.\u201d<\/i> This type of navigation needs a certain finesse, care and sensitivity so as to find the best path and to avoid damaging the ship. Going in a straight line isn\u2019t always the shortest route. The trick is to make a detour to get there faster.<\/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=\u201d7px||5px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\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][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/Baleines-a-bosse-Ilulissat-\u00a9StudioPonant-Laurence-FISCHER-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dEtienne Garcia et Patrick Marchesseau : 2 capitaines experts de la navigation polaire\u201d title_text=\u201dcapitaines-navigation-polaire\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_margin=\u201d23px|||||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\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 module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d34px|auto||44px||\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d||||||||\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.8em\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_3_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_3_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_3_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d text_orientation=\u201djustified\u201d custom_margin=\u201d-14px|||||\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||31px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n
Arctic exhilaration<\/b><\/h3>\n
After years spent weaving from one hemisphere to the other, between the unspoilt nature of the Arctic to the empty majesty of the white continent, both<\/b> captains<\/b> have become experts in polar navigation<\/b>. And yet, \u201ceven after ten years, I still get that thrill<\/i>,\u201d confesses Patrick Marcesseau. \u201cDuring every expedition, whenever we cross a new fjord it brings out the explorer in me.\u00a0Moments like that are just as magical now as they have always been. <\/i>You might see a polar bear touch the hull with its paws, or light effects on the water\u2019s surface, or in the summer you might see a humpback whale feeding in the colder waters expel a water plume barely ten metres from the ship. There are so many memories to be shared with passengers. Because \u201cthat\u2019s the PONANT spirit,\u201d<\/i> smiles \u00c9tienne Garcia, still driven by this child-like energy \u2013 which he champions! \u2013 \u2013 in response to nature\u2019s wonders. His aim is to <\/i>share it as much as possible<\/i><\/b>. So, if there is any wildlife nearby<\/a> or an iceberg in view, they\u2019ll stop and turn around. \u201cThat\u2019s what exploration is all about!\u201d<\/i> The most important thing is to adapt to the environment around you<\/b>. To let nature, the ice, wind and snow decide the route. The captain has to decide to adapt, and share the secrets of navigating these waters with the passengers. \u201cWe\u2019re here to ensure the journey is one to remember!\u201d<\/i><\/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=\u201d7px||5px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\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][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/025_B100817_Disko-Bay\u00a9StudioPONANT-O.Blaud-3.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dEtienne Garcia et Patrick Marchesseau : 2 capitaines experts de la navigation polaire\u201d title_text=\u201dcapitaines-navigation-polaire\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\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 module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d34px|auto||44px||\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d||||||||\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.8em\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_3_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_3_text_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 header_3_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_3_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d text_orientation=\u201djustified\u201d custom_margin=\u201d-14px|||||\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||31px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n
Le<\/i><\/b> Commandant Charcot<\/i><\/b>\u00a0and new dreams of adventure<\/b><\/h3>\n
They won\u2019t mention it \u2013 sailors tend to be modest \u2013 but, thanks to their extensive experience, Captains Garcia and Marchesseau <\/b>were the perfect choice to take command of <\/b>Le Commandant Charcot<\/i><\/b>.<\/i> Both got involved in the project very early on. During an assignment in Norway to oversee construction, they were able to learn more about the ship and assess the challenges that lay ahead. \u201cUntil that point, we had been weaving our way through the polar waters\u201d<\/i>, explains Patrick Marchesseau, \u201cbut now we will be able to chart our way through the ice itself!\u201d<\/i> and enter a \u201csilent land\u201d, the sea disappearing behind them as they travel further into the icy vastness. For both captains, this is a chance to draw on all the skills they have learned.\u00a0<\/i>Yet \u201cin terms of manoeuvrability<\/i>,\u00a0<\/i>Le<\/b> Commandant Charcot<\/b> offers extraordinary results,\u201d<\/i> \u00c9tienne Garcia points out. \u201cThis makes the ship <\/i>safe and comfortable<\/i><\/b>.\u201d<\/i><\/p>\n