Sailing Sponsorship

It was in June 2005 that Bel made the decision to enter the world of corporate sponsorship by supporting skipper Kito de Pavant for a series of single-handed ocean races. It’s an initiative that has proved enormously successful, both inside and outside the company, and has encouraged the Group to take the partnership to a new level.

The Bel adventure continues

Bel has committed a further four years’ support to the skipper and begun work on building a completely new Open 60 (18.6 m) boat. It’s with this new boat that Kito de Pavant will compete in the world’s most challenging single-handed event: the Vendée Globe.

DESTINATION VENDEE GLOBE 2012/2013

 66,000 miles already travelled, 14 countries visited and 8,000 thumbprints collected from all over the world; this adventure is extraordinary and will continue to surprise you!The year 2010 begins with still the same enthusiasm as well as new ambitions. Bel Group, represented by its Chief Executive Office, Antoine Fiévet, has announced the renewal of its sponsoring program. The Group’s signature, “Sharing smiles”, will travel the oceans until 2013 and take part in the next Vendée Globe.

Guillaume Jouet, Communication Director of Group Bel

"Since she was launched in 2005, the sailing sponsoring programme for Bel has been based on the conviction that the dynamic of offshore racing is a wonderful driving force bringing cohesion and a sense of sharing to the 11,700 workers of the Group.  It is in this spirit that Bel has increased its actions to involve its workers in the challenges of its skipper, Kito de Pavant. Already 11 countries have been visited and nearly 8,000 “Thumbs up for Kito” decorate the Groupe Bel mast sailing with our skipper on his various crossings!  And last June, Kito invited more than 200 people from the Group to come and explore his region and discover the joys of regatta racing at Port Camargue, during the “Sharing Smiles Regatta”. This was a unique moment shared with enthusiasm and plenty of smiling by all the participants! When we see the challenge that Kito and Seb are taking on this winter, we can but admire them and give them as much support as possible. In good company and well-armed, our crew has all the strengths it takes to succeed.  Committed long-term to the goal of the next Vendée Globe in November 2012, our sailing programme is as ambitious as ever and we are counting on the enthusiasm and unfailing support of Groupe Bel’s supporters."