At*sea – Page 2 – Thomas de Dorlodot

Restoring the*Boat

Getting the ship ready

Three months, 91 days and countless brush strokes. When passion takes over, there’s almost nothing we can do to calm the excitement. The SEARCH sailboat went through a massive transformation from its old whitish color, sadly covered in moss, to a sparkling brand new boat. We have met the nicest people at the Brussels shipyard and were warmly welcomed into this new community. Their sense of solidarity is what makes this experience so rich and has helped us rapidly progress, while facing many challenges during the renovation process.

First crossing, from Belgium to Majorca

We left the Brussels Royal Yacht Club on July 22nd. With five people on board, Sofia and I had the ideal crew to help us get familiar with our new mobile base camp. Everyday, we would learn something new. It’s wonderful to learn a new discipline from scratch, noticing our progress throughout the weeks. After seven years out of the water, the boat is glad to be back where she’s supposed to be.

During our crossing, we discovered a few technical problems which made us stop in Lorient, at La Base des Sous-Marins. We spent three days working on some final arrangements and fixing what was damaged. Now that SEARCH Projects has gone through its final tuning, we’re ready to enjoy the seas!

Forum Finance Group

Forum Finance Group is the perfect partner.
With 28 years of experience, they have the proven expertise and knowledge of all available investment instruments and have built a rich network of experts and partners in order to offer relevant and effective solutions that go beyond simple wealth management.
Forum Finance is 100% owned by its partners, all of whom are active in the company, and thus offers a committed, transparent and objective management, totally free from conflicts of interest. Their investment decisions are dictated only by their convictions and by the desire to obtain the best performance.

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Red Bull

Red Bull has always been one of my strongest partners. It’s great to be supported by such a brand but also inspiring to be part of a big family of athletes from all over the world, which often leads to new friendships and adventures.

The first time I took part in the Red Bull X-Alps, a 1,000km race across the Alps, was in 2007. I was 21 and had no idea of the magnitude of this race! But it was one of my greatest experiences and I discovered a passion for bivouac flights, which led me to my first expeditions in Pakistan. Since then, they’ve supported me on countless adventures, from the Himalayas to the Alps, Pyrenees, Africa, Asia, Latin America and beyond. In my case, they really do give me wings! Red Bull is my energy shot and together we challenge the limits of our sport. I’m really happy to be a part of their family.

Volkswagen

My parents used to take me to school in their Passat and later in my father’s Caddy. I grew-up with Volkswagen. When I got my driving license, I borrowed my dad’s old Caddy and got my freedom. I built a bed in the back of the car and started travelling around Europe in search of good paragliding places. Since then, I can guarantee that I spend more nights sleeping in the back of my car than in my own bed. When Volkswagen came to see me and they lent me my first AMAROK, I decided it was time to expand our trips and start crossing frontiers. We created the SEARCH Projects and crossed Africa from Egypt to South Africa, stopping in 10 countries to fly our gliders. The team at Volkswagen Belgium has always been very supportive and really involved in all my projects. We dream bigger every year and that has led us to a round-the-world trip on board the SEARCH Projects sailboat.

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Garmin

Garmin keeps me focused and on track! They are like the brain behind every operation. Their up-to-date devices follow and track me wherever I go, whether I’m up in the sky, crossing a mountain range or sailing. I have a lot of affection for the Garmin team. They are true enthusiasts and they have managed to develop a unique know-how when it comes to technology and adventures.

Starting with their GPS that guided me on my first flights, today I use the complete range: GPS for my road trips and bike tours, the Fenix 5 for my training sessions, the Inreach for my safety and connection when I’m far from civilization.

I always enjoy my visits to Garmin’s main office in Belgium. We always end up exchanging interesting ideas about the future of sports and technology. They know how to combine both disciplines and find new solutions to produce the ultimate device. I leave feeling inspired and always learning something new.

Advance

For more than thirty years, ADVANCE have kept the needs and wishes of the pilots at the forefront. With Swiss precision, they refine model after model. Highest quality and absolute reliability have their top priority, in the air and in their customer service. So from pioneers they have become perfectionists.

Patagonia

After reading Yvon Chouinard’s “Let My People Go Surfing”, Patagonia’s success story really hit me – how it can be a successful business while at the same time championing the environment. Such is their commitment they make their own research and development on sustainable manufacturing processes available to other brands to encourage them to do the same.

Their philosophy speaks to me and I want to support them through my expeditions. I’m driven to explore while promoting the beauty of our planet through images we produce and share, encouraging others to help preserve the environment for our future generation. Just a simple gesture can make a difference. It’s all about the choices we make. Patagonia is a true leader in that field and I’m very happy to work with them.

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Europ Assistance

When you spend most of your time doing activities that involve a certain risk, it is fundamental to have a reliable insurance company that will be there no matter what. With their worldwide medical assistance, Europe Assistance has accompanied me all over the world, sometimes, to the most secluded places. Never have they failed me when I most needed them. Like a faithful companion, Europe Assistance always has your back and will encourage you to reach your destination safely. I’m happy to count on them for every adventure I undertake.

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Positive Thinking Company

I wouldn’t be doing what I do if it wasn’t for the art of communication. Being able to share my adventurers around the world is the essence of my passion as an adventurer. “It’s all about sharing”. With our images and video we’re able to show some of the world’s most beautiful places and inspire others to discover it for themselves.

Positive Thinking Company kindly offered to help me bring to life this new website you are discovering today! Big thanks to the team for the amazing work and energy you all put into this! Now we aim to bring more to our followers by using the latest technologies such as the VR. Stay tuned for exclusive content…

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X-Dream Fly

X-Dream Fly is a brand that values the passion for flying and willingness to pass on the existing knowledge. They inspire pilots in ways that help keep the passion for this fantastic sport alive even after many years.

Through their meticulous work, they produce equipment of excellence that make you feel safe and enjoyable while flying.

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Biosolis

Being constantly outside, whether flying my paraglider or sailing on board the Search, I have finally found a sunscreen that not only protects my skin from sunburn but also it causes no harm to the environment! Indeed, Biosolis is the first complete certified organic sun protection line for adults and children, face and body. It has become fundamental to leave as little impact as possible to preserve our beautiful planet, so I am very happy to collaborate with a brand that helps to do so.

Greentripper

Greentripper neutralises the CO2 impact of your trip and guarantees yourself concrete actions for the climate.

We travel for pleasure, for leisure or for work and this has unfortunately an impact on the climate and the environment.
Greentripper allows everyone who appreciates the beauty of nature to give back by supporting their climate projects.

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