Bourbon

“I joined Surf in 1977 as bosun. After three years, I had my first command. Then came the lean years: oil was at its lowest level, ships were clustered in the harbors. In Port-Gentil on the “green island” in Gabon, I was commanding 12 vessels, with only one crew… In 1986, there were 12 Captains for 7 supply boats, including only one AHTS and six strait supply “trucks”, the PSV of that era. Than BOURBON brought us the investment capacity we needed. In 1992, the decision was made to have 3 vessels built: the Achille, Ajax and Artabaze. Those vessels allowed us to keep our heads above water, while everyone around us was drowning…

It has been a wonderful voyage from a small family-owned company to the Bourbon Offshore Surf of today! The spirit has remained the same. The company is still led by seagoing men, solid seamen, who know what they are talking about. I am turning over the tiller with nostalgia since I am going to set my duffel on land on August 26. I owe a great deal to my superiors who had confidence in me, and I believe that I have not betrayed that trust. I want to express my gratitude to all my friends for this voyage we have made together. To those who have doubts about the future, I just want to say: be optimistic and go for it! And I wish long life and good wind for Bourbon Offshore Surf!”