An open-sea challenge to reconnect children with the ocean

At Royal Mer, our connection to the ocean is at the heart of everything we do. It's this commitment, demonstrated for years through concrete actions, that prompted Swim For Change to choose us as a partner. We are proud to accompany them on their Atlantic crossing, a powerful project to raise awareness among young people about protecting the ocean. To learn more about their background, their motivations, and the behind-the-scenes story of the project, read our article on Chloé and Matthieu.

How did this adventure begin ?

Behind this project, Chloé and Matthieu, also known as Matt and Coco, are two passionate open-water swimmers. Their project was born while spending time with their niece Romy and nephew Corto. While playing with them, they began showing them how to swim breaststroke in the bathtub and talking to them about whales, coral, and fish.

Little by little, they wondered when these topics would be covered in school. Looking at school curricula, they were surprised to see that the ocean features very little. Yet it plays an essential role: it provides 50% of the oxygen we breathe, and France alone is home to 10% of the world's marine biodiversity.

So they had an idea: launch a grand adventure to teach children about the ocean, to introduce them to this world we know so little about. That's how this project came about.

What is their plan?

Chloé and Matthieu are preparing to take on a unique challenge: swimming across the Atlantic Ocean from Cape Verde to Martinique. They will complete a 3,800-kilometer journey in relays over nearly three months. Each day, they will swim in turns, every 1.5 hours, for between eight and twelve hours a day, depending on the conditions.

At night, large floating anchors, similar to parachutes, will be deployed to slow the boat 's drift . At daybreak, the swim will resume exactly where the boat was carried by the currents , so as not to use the engine .

This project is supervised by an experienced team: two skippers, a nurse and a videographer will embark on board to accompany and document each stage of this crossing.

But beyond the sporting achievement, the goal is clear: to put the ocean back at the heart of the school. Through Swim For Change, Chloé and Matthieu aim to raise awareness among young people about protecting the marine world and create a concrete link between sea adventure and classrooms throughout France.

How will the children follow the adventure?

Swim For Change is also a project for children. During the crossing, schools will be able to follow Chloé and Matthieu's adventure through videos, activities, and adapted content.

Each week, assignments will be sent to classes, related to their experiences at sea. Teachers will be able to use them easily, without departing from the school curriculum.

The goal is simple: to talk about the ocean at school, to introduce it to young people and to make them want to protect it.