Sailing, resilience & commitment to women's health

Since 2023, Simone in Bordeaux has supported Noémie Catalano , a committed sailor, for the deep values they share : sport, resilience, and women's health. More than a high-level athlete, Noémie is also a determined business leader , who leads her ocean racing project with ambition and integrity — just like Agnès , founder of the brand.

The brand's commitment to the fight against breast cancer is a founding approach, rooted in a deep desire to open a dialogue on resilience, recovery, and the power to act. This partnership with Noémie echoes these values, highlighting the courage of those who move forward—against winds, waves, and sometimes illness.

The ocean as a guide to life

For Noémie, everything begins with the call of the open sea. Far from being a simple playground, the sea is a landmark, a refuge, a driving force.

“Surfing teaches me gentleness. Boating teaches me strength. Both have shaped me.”

Sailing taught her to endure the storm. Surfing taught her to flow with the currents of life with ease. Together, these two disciplines have made her a grounded, determined woman, in tune with her environment—and her instincts.

Resilience: Repair rather than flee

One day, alone in the middle of the Atlantic, a major breakdown. No engine. No direction. Just silence and doubt.

“You cry. You doubt. And then you breathe. Because giving up is not an option.”

For Noémie, resilience is nothing short of heroic. It's a simple, raw act: getting back up, again. Pulling out a toolbox, repairing, and continuing. Even when everything tells you to stop.

"I cried, screamed, and then I opened a toolbox. It was about fixing, not overthinking."

“It’s not a man’s job. It’s a job of passion.”

In a world where less than 5% of skippers in competition are women, Noémie challenged preconceived ideas very early on.

“They told me, ‘You won’t make it, you don’t have the build.’ I replied, ‘Watch me do it.’”

For her, the sea makes no distinctions . Only competence, commitment and tenacity count.

"I'm no longer waiting for someone to give me space. I'm taking it, with my skills and my vision."

Today, she refuses to be described as an “exception”: she is proof that other women can also set sail.

Girls Ride The World: Sisterhood in Motion

With her two friends Jeanne and Malou, Noémie launched Girls Ride The World : a solidarity project born from a simple surf trip between girlfriends. The concept: cross the West Coast by bike, surf the waves, and above all, raise awareness in a different way about breast cancer prevention .

“We can talk about health, prevention and cancer… without a white coat.”

Over the miles and through encounters, this project becomes a space of concrete sisterhood. Laughter, struggles, raw emotions. And suspended moments, like this weekend with women in recovery that left a deep impression on them.

“They had come so far. It gave me back a sense of justice.”

Girls Ride The World breaks the mold: wind in your hair, sand under your feet, and your heart on your sleeve.

A salty message, a contagious energy

Today, the project aims to go further, explore other territories, meet other women, and imagine new formats. But always with a minimal carbon footprint and maximum impact.

“It doesn't matter how strong you are physically. What matters is your intention. Courage is contagious.”

And if Noémie had a message to convey, it would be this:

“Dare. Even if no one is waiting for you.” Noémie Catalano: “Resilience is what keeps you going when everything tells you to stop.” Conclusion: Live strong, and together.

Noémie Catalano isn't trying to be a role model. She's blazing a trail , both at sea and on land. A trail where we can rise up, where we support each other, where we take action. A trail for those who still doubt that they, too, have a place in the adventure.

Because at sea as in life, strength is not measured in decibels… but in silent courage.