FROM BRITTANY TO RAPA NUI
I learned how to windsurf in the Gulf of Morbihan, in Brittany, where a myriad of islands get a saltwater massage from the sea that is moving in and out of the gulf at the rhythm of the tides. Sounds of seagulls and shrouds knocking against the boat masts is ever present, so is the smell of sea weed and sea food. It seems like this special treatment from the elements is doing a great job on Mother Nature as she really looks at her best in this particular place. The aquatic labyrinth where tricky winds and deadly currents abound is the ultimate proving ground for those who want to test their skills as yachtsmen. It was here that Franck David, born and raised on the Isle of Arz, in the middle of the gulf, sharpened his windsurfer skills to later become a gold medalist at the 92 Olympics in Barcelona. The celebration of his victory on his home island still makes waves even today! Nowadays Franck is still windsurfing whenever he gets the opportunity but his day job is head of the Race for Water Odyssey (www.raceforwater.com) and is very time consuming. I meet Franck in Brittany when I was 13 and just a beginner windsurfer. We stayed in touch since then, keeping an eye on each other’s projects and the idea of joining our efforts to raise awareness on ocean pollution was soon born.
Carine together with our daughters Lou and Shadé and I are about to meet the MOD 70 (70 foot long trimaran) carrying the colors of the Race for Water non profit organization in Rapa Nui, half way through its circumnavigation. The expedition is making a stop on the most isolated island on earth for field collections of marine debris. The scientists on board, together with the rest of the crew will work on estimating the concentration (mass of plastic compared to the sampled beach area) and the sources of plastic debris (fishing and tourism industries, domestic wastes…). What also makes a strong connection between us and the Race for Water Odyssey is that its crew members (including Stève Ravussin, multihull skipper and record holder of the Jules Verne Trophy) are all avid board riders, either windsurfers or kiteboarders.