For several years, Profurl and Wichard have been supporting the expeditions of the MAEWAN association, whose projects continually push the boundaries of sailing and exploration. The MAEWAN association uses an expedition sailing vessel as a mobile platform to carry out scientific, educational and environmental missions around the world. Through its expeditions, it raises awareness among young people and the general public about eco-citizenship and sustainable development challenges.
From the icy waters of the Arctic to the tropics, their sailing vessels operate in environments where the reliability of navigation equipment, rigging and deck hardware is essential.
Stopover in Paris: Between Raising Awareness and Maintaining Nautical Equipment
Before setting sail again for Scotland and then the high latitudes, MAEWAN made a stop in Paris for World Ocean Day on June 8, 2026.
Moored in the heart of the French capital, Maewan V, a 19-metre aluminium schooner, welcomed several hundred visitors, including school groups, families, scientists, NGOs, companies and institutional representatives. The crew remained in Paris for a week, with a programme combining presentations of the SeaScore initiative, educational workshops, the Étoiles Bleues literary award ceremony and a live radio programme bringing together explorers, researchers and committed stakeholders.
An unusual stopover that also provided the opportunity to prepare the vessel for her next mission and carry out several maintenance operations on her nautical equipment.
A New Chapter for Maewan V
The Maewan V adventure began in February 2025 near Auckland, New Zealand, where the team took ownership of the renowned aluminium schooner formerly known as The Blizzard, a yacht specifically designed to withstand high latitudes.
Renamed Maewan V, the schooner carried her new owners through four months of particularly demanding sailing: crossing the South Pacific, passing through the Strait of Magellan, and sailing north across the Atlantic to Brittany, with a notable stop in Nice for the United Nations Ocean Conference.
More than just a delivery voyage, this half-circumnavigation revealed both the strengths and the limitations of a vessel built in 1993 that had already sailed in Antarctica, Patagonia, New Zealand and tropical waters.
Before embarking on an ambitious three-year programme of Arctic expeditions, a major modernisation phase was required, particularly to improve the reliability of the rigging and the furling systems for the headsails.
Upgrading the Rigging and Furling Systems to Sail Further
The mainsail has been replaced, the reefing system has been completely redesigned, and part of the deck hardware has been overhauled.
"During the passage, the deck hardware took quite a beating. Several blocks in the sailing systems failed, the J2 sail furler showed signs of weakness, and the J1 sail furler was undersized," explains Erwan Le Lann, one of the association's founders, who also highlights some very positive surprises: "The ten Andersen winches are incredibly reliable. A simple service and they are ready for another lifetime!"
Installation and Adjustment of the Furling Systems: A Technical Process Made Easier in Paris
To sail up the Seine to Paris, the crew had to unstep both masts in Le Havre, transport them on the boat’s deck, and then step them again in the capital before repeating the operation on the return journey.
A genuine logistical challenge… which ultimately made replacing the furling systems easier.
The team installed a new Profurl C480 furler on the J1, while a Profurl C430 now equips the J2. These new sail furlers meet the demands of particularly challenging sailing conditions.
On board Maewan V, the choice was made to use manual furlers. Erwan Le Lann highlights that the methodical installation process was made easier thanks to an exceptionally clear installation manual. After a few adjustments, the sails were hoisted… and Maewan V was ready to head back to sea.
Heading to the Arctic with Reliable Sail Furlers
The boat has now set course for Scotland, the first stage of an expedition named The Voice of the Arctic.
MAEWAN’s mission is to meet Indigenous communities, beginning with those living in polar regions, in order to document the transformations affecting these territories, which are particularly vulnerable to climate change.
In such extreme conditions, every piece of equipment on board must demonstrate outstanding reliability. The rigging, sails and furling systems must be able to withstand the stresses associated with sailing in difficult conditions. These are precisely the environments in which Profurl furlers demonstrate their expertise and proven performance.
The entire Profurl and Wichard teams are proud to support MAEWAN in this new adventure and wish the crew fair winds for this exceptional expedition.