"Supporting Mission SEDNA means committing to scientific research"

The port of Toulon experienced a major maritime and scientific event. Founded five years ago, the local association Nerrivik finalized preparations for its new adventure: Mission SEDNA. On board the sailboat, named Bernick, a multidisciplinary crew set sail for extreme latitudes.

Composed of three engineers, a physiotherapist and an architect, originally from the Toulon region, this team is sailing towards Islande and the east coast of Groenland. The organisation's motto sets the tone for this extraordinary expedition: "To lead great sailing adventures to better understand marine environments and their evolution in isolated and polar territories."

To successfully carry out this major project, the association benefits from the support of Maribay Toulon Plaisance, the entity managing the marinas of the Toulon roadstead. "We are committed to protecting marine environments and promoting our territory," said François-Xavier Demotes-Mainard, president of Maribay Toulon Plaisance. "Supporting Mission SEDNA means a concrete commitment to scientific research, youth education, and social integration.

This project perfectly embodies our values and echoes our status as a mission-driven company."

THREE PILLARS Far from being a simple sporting crossing, Mission SEDNA is distinguished by its desire to have a lasting impact, structured around three major axes. The first pillar is scientific. During the voyage, the engineers on board Bernick take series of samples and conduct extensive studies in close collaboration with various partner laboratories.

These operations make it possible to collect unprecedented data in polar regions that are particularly difficult to access, thus offering crucial resources for research focused on climate change and the evolution of marine biodiversity.

The second pillar of this adventure is educational. In partnership with the Toulon town hall, the maritime journey is followed by several classes in the city, from primary to middle school levels. This initiative is aimed at schools located in priority education zones.

The objective of this approach is to awaken the curiosity of the younger generation, encourage the discovery of scientific exploration, and raise awareness among students about major environmental issues.

Finally, the third pillar focuses on the social aspect. Mission SEDNA is part of a dynamic to support youth. Thanks to reintegration programs set up with partner associations such as Le Rocher and Evocae, the expedition aims to offer a formative experience capable of giving a new lease of life to young people in difficulty.

The highlight took place on March 29. In the afternoon, the departure of Mission SEDNA was given from Carré du Port, marking the launch of this odyssey towards pôle Nord.