After Marc Pajot, Alexia Barrier and Armel Le Cléac’h, Jean Le Cam joins the “Walk of fame” established in 2016 by the Cannes Town Hall in the Pierre Canto harbour. Since Saturday, September 11, 2021, the handprints of the French sailor, hero of the last Vendée Globe, are now immortalized on the square in front of the Harbour Master’s Office. This initiative is part of the will of David Lisnard, Mayor of Cannes, to reinforce the dynamism and attractiveness of the local ports. Moreover, it reinforces the city’s nautical vocation and its status as the capital of open-air and open-sea sports.

Following the example of the “Path of Stars” located in front of the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès which pays tribute to directors, actors and celebrities of the 7th Art, the Cannes City Council created in September 2016 a “Maritime Walk of fame” at the Pierre Canto port.
The objective: to immortalize on bronze plaques the footprints of great sailors to honor them.

At 61 years old, Jean Le Cam, the oldest competitor in the last Vendée Globe in January 2021, rescued – and saved the life – of Kevin Escoffier, 40 years old, the youngest competitor in the race and shipwrecked in the rough waters of the South Atlantic. After a few days in a duet on this solo race, Kevin Escoffier was safely recovered by the French Navy. Jean Le Cam finally crossed the finish line in Les Sables d’Olonne in 4th place, despite this rescue and a serious damage to his hull. He was certainly the winner in the hearts of all observers.
Jean Le Cam also has three victories in the Solitaire du Figaro (1994, 1996 and 1999) and a victory in the Transat Jacques-Vabre (2013). The Quimper native also took second place in the Route du Rhum in 2006 and the Vendée Globe in 2004.

Reinforcing the dynamism of the Canto port and the local nautical identity

The Cannes “Maritime Walk of Fame” is part of the municipal approach in favor of the attractiveness and dynamism of the local ports. In addition, it reinforces the nautical vocation of Cannes, a major element of the local identity.
The Pierre Canto harbor is located at the eastern end of the Boulevard de la Croisette. With its 10.6-hectare stretch of water and 533 berths, it can accommodate vessels up to 90 meters in length. Built in 1965, it was the first private initiative port in Europe.

Since 2014, Cannes City Council has been working to secure and enhance this exceptional site so that it becomes an attractive place and the reference for luxury yachting (80 berths for large yachts over 25 m). At the initiative of David Lisnard, it has benefited from a major urban renovation operation led by the Municipality. This has allowed :

• the creation of a beautiful central square with vegetation, called “Espace Grand Large”, with shade cloths for relaxation and a dry fountain to liven up the heart of the port;
• install new internationally renowned commercial establishments (Harry’s Bar, Zagury’s and Atalante);
• to create a belvedere open on the Croisette, the bay of Cannes and the Massif de l’Estérel.

Labeled “Blue Flag” since 2008, the Pierre Canto port also obtained the European AFNOR “Clean Ports” certification in March 2019 for its environmental commitment. This certification was renewed in March 2020 and April 2021 until January 31, 2022. The objectives are multiple: the improvement of water quality, the optimization of waste and wastewater management, the treatment of pollution or the awareness of users and boaters.