Saturday January 3 and Sunday January 4, at the Kerraoul gymnasium in Paimpol, more than 60 archers took part in a competition organized by the Archers d’Armor archery club. Jean-Yves Joaüs was present. Discreet but there, as usual. Not facing the targets, like many of his friends at the club, but standing behind the counter, with a smile on his face. Throughout the competition, he served drinks to the participants, keeping an eye on the forty arches that he maintains throughout the year.
At 81 years old, he is an emblematic figure of Paimpol archery. “I’ve been here since the club opened in 1988,” he says. Before, I trained in Pontrieux, near the church, with the sisters. It was the only room suitable for archery.”
100 days at sea, 40 days of archery
A former sailor, he spent thirty-four years on tankers from 5,000 to 36,000 tonnes. “I was second, responsible for loading and unloading petroleum products,” he explains. A demanding job, punctuated by long absences: “I would work for around 100 days, then I would shoot archery during my 40 days of leave. »
Retired at the age of 51, Jean-Yves Joaüs has not left the shooting range. He still trains twice a week today, for a minimum of two hours per session. “And I shoot without glasses,” he explains. Although he no longer competes, the passion nevertheless remains intact. Like an addiction, almost: “I can’t do without it. »
Discreet but essential
Very involved in the life of the Archers d’Armor Paimpol club, he is present at all the competitions organized locally. And takes an important part in the organization and logistics. Setting up targets, tables and chairs, he also does the shopping and serves drinks. All year round, he also maintains the bows loaned to beginners. He repairs arrows and also makes ropes.
A discreet but essential commitment to the functioning of the club. The next meeting in Paimpol has already been carefully noted in his diary: Sunday February 28, from 1 p.m., with around thirty young U11 and U13 players from the department, including around ten Paimpol licensees. He will be there, as usual.
