Student in the Grande Ecole Master Programme – Montpellier Business School, president of the Sup d'Eole association, Christophe Belbeoch initiated the Montpellier Business School's participation in the Grandes Ecoles yacht race. This sea fanatic is even more so when he has the opportunity to introduce it to beginners.

Why did you choose the Montpellier Business School Grande Ecole Master Programme ?

I did a BAC in STG (Science and Technologies of Business Administration and Management) at Brest, my home town, as a high-level windsurfer. I entered the Brest ESC in the Bachelor programme and sat the competitive exam to enter the Master programme. I wanted to leave Brest because the school does not have a very good ranking. I also wanted to see new horizons, to have more sunshine, while staying close to the sea. I would find it quite difficult to live without the sea.

How did the project to participate in the race take shape?

At the Montpellier Business School, I joined the Sup d'Eole association whose objective is to help the greatest possible number of people discover the sea. Participating in the race, I had been thinking about this since the start of the school year. I was thinking to myself that if the Brest ESC participates, then why not us? We very clearly defined our project, gathered financial support, found the skipper, the boat etc. and off we went!

How did you live the race?

To be sincere, we were shooting for the podium but certainly not the first place ! We accomplished a genuine performance. Among the ten crew members, only four mastered sailing. The other six came training regularly during the weekend but they were beginners. And despite this, during the race everybody was relaxed. We shared a unique experience which really bound the team together. We even benefited from a day when we returned earlier to take on board other students of the Montpellier Business School and sail with them to the Ile de Groix, about an hour away. They thoroughly enjoyed it.

Since we got back, they all keep asking me « Christophe : when are we going back there ? ». It's a real pleasure to introduce others to the world of sailing.
What are your projects for the future?

Next year, I will be in my working year but the year after I would like to do the Grandes Ecoles yacht race again. With two boats this time, so that more students can participate! I would also like to organise another cruise, but on a larger scale, in the “calanques”, the rocky inlets east of Marseille. And of course, continue to introduce others to the world of sailing.

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