Bientôt, ce sera " larguez les amarres "

Beat, what are your energy reserves so close to the launch of Boutique Boatel?

My batteries are still full, we are in an extremely exciting phase. On the one hand, there is a lot of activity on the boat, almost all the craftsmen involved in the transformation are currently on site at the same time to complete the refit. Without their great commitment, it would not have been possible to complete the work within the allotted time. A big thank you to all of you. Furthermore, communication is running at full speed, as are the sales of cruises and charters. There are still many details to iron out, each day brings new challenges that we are tackling together as a team.

The level of energy is also a good motif in terms of ecology. In collaboration with Groupe E and the responsible engineers, we have developed an energy concept for the sustainable use of resources. Photovoltaics is a key element, to which we have added sodium batteries as an ecological alternative.

What is still missing in terms of percentage until everything is ready?

Tous travaux confondus, je dirais que nous en sommes à environ 75 %. We will probably finish the work on 15 May, and the following week we will prepare for the first tour, scheduled for 23 May. We still need to prepare the equipment, finalize the operational processes, continue to actively support sales, etc. During the first few weeks of operation, further adjustments will certainly be necessary in all areas and, finally, the first reactions of the guests will also be taken into account. Our aim is to provide our customers with a service of the highest quality, so this work will never be finished.

Comment se passe la coopération avec toutes les personnes impliquées ?

We have the experience of a highly professional cooperation based on objectives in all areas. The sponsors, the artists, the commercial partners, the support in the field of communication, but also the Board of Directors and the shareholders support the project 100% and help us within the limits of their possibilities. A big thank you to all and to all !

It is notable that the studio is responsible for the interior design. What does it mean to work with such a renowned office?

Incroyably professional, pragmatic and oriented towards the objectives. Every day, there are new tasks, they always help us to find solutions. The "heart and soul" that they put into their work is palpable. Finally, there are budgetary constraints to be respected, so certain conceptual ideas have to be adapted to the financial resources available. It's all an art of making the most of the resources used efficiently; atelier oï succeeds in this number of equilibrists thanks to its infallible efforts.

Today, Covid-19 continues to affect us and affect our travels. How are you preparing to tackle this challenge?

We have a protection concept that reflects the current directives. This includes the plans and stations for cleaning and disinfection, the adaptation of the operating processes and permanent contact with the authorities. As the indoor areas of the restaurants are currently always closed, we also need to provide for a plan B in case this situation persists until the start of the crises. Finally, we want to involve the companies located around the Trois-Lacs in our project, which is also part of the sustainability.

What should we absolutely avoid doing now so as not to miss it?

Of course, we are delighted that so many guests are already enjoying their first cruises! Certain longer cruise dates are already fully reserved; we also prepare themed weeks such as golf, yoga, etc. On board, there aren't many places, so it's very important to reserve your time.

Quand vas-tu t'asseoir, te détendre et te dire : " C'est bon, maintenant ? "

No idea, certainly not from the start. But during the first stage, I hope to have the opportunity to raise my glasses, to toast the success of the project and to have a nice drink with the Board of Directors. It's a first stage arrival, but like the Tour de France, it's only the prologue!