Of course, working with him doesn’t mean that I see him every day… So it was a good opportunity to spend some time together.

For those who haven't heard of the "Ecrans de l'Aventure", this is a public film festival catering for visual media professionals, as well as those addicted to exploration, adventure, travel and distant horizons. This festival is not exactly unknown at Solar Impulse as, back in 1998, Bertrand received the Peter Bird/SPB Adventure Trophy after his 2^nd round-the-world attempt in a balloon, to encourage him to keep trying. Then, in 1999, he was awarded the Adventurer of the Year Golden Fleece along with Brian Jones after their successful round-the-world trip in Orbiter III.

The reception event provided a backdrop for some emotional meetings, notably with Bernard Voyer, explorer and chairman of the jury, who has been to all 3 poles, and Anne Quémeré, who crossed the Pacific in a Kiteboat, to mention only two. After the screening of the documentary, Henri de Gerlache who directed it, and André faced an enthusiastic audience and a barrage of questions.

One of the surprises of the weekend was the Jury's "Special Mention" for the "Wings of the Sun". Congratulations Henri! Last but not least, Hugues de Wavrin, Vice-president of La Guilde, this year presented André with the Adventurer of the Year Golden Fleece for the 26 hour flight, which is shown in the documentary.

These awards recognise adventurers, male or female, and sometimes even teams who show exceptional commitment in expeditions of real endurance.