Voile Ambition Dunkerque
Voile Ambition Dunkerque (VADK) is a French association (loi 1901) and the regional sailing training network DRE Voile in Dunkirk, supported by the Communauté Urbaine de Dunkerque and the SIDF. The structure offers an accessible sailing pathway for juniors and adults with a training and racing focus on the northern French coast. The programme includes J/80, Optimist, Open Skiff and ILCA classes, complemented by Nacra catamaran and race coaching. VADK and VADK Sports organise and support regional and national regattas, including the Flanders Trophy, league gatherings and youth projects at Lycée Jean Bart.
History
Voile Ambition Dunkerque (VADK) is an association under French loi 1901 and a recognised sports club (agréé JS). Statutes and operating rules exist as of 28 April 2016. VADK operates as a regional sailing training network (DRE Voile), backed by the Communauté Urbaine de Dunkerque and the Syndicat Intercommunal des Dunes de Flandre (SIDF). In parallel, VADK Sports handles competition and event organisation. From around 2019 the Nacra section was expanded; four years after opening the sailing section at Lycée Jean Bart, the first national Nacra 15 medal followed in 2023. The structure supports crews at league meetings, Flanders Trophy, Ligue Nationale and projects around Tour Voile and Solitaire du Figaro. Dunkirk has a long historic link with Tour Voile and has been the start city many times since 1978. VADK and VADK Sports also organise major events such as the Nacra 15 Super Series and support the regional sailing community at Base Nautique de la Licorne.
Information
Facilities
Cooperation with Base Nautique de la Licorne in Dunkirk (Digue Nicolas II); hangar/CRV for events; race and training documentation; membership forms via coaches.
Activities
Race training and competition in J/80, Optimist, Open Skiff and ILCA; organising Flanders Trophy and Nacra 15 events; league gatherings; youth and high-performance projects including Tour Voile and Figaro.
Youth section
Active youth and development work with Optimist, Open Skiff and a sailing section at Lycée Jean Bart, plus participation in league and national junior events.