Erwan: the step towards the Unknown

First, you have verbal commitment. That commitment that we allow ourselves to jump into, often quite rapidly, because we know possible repercussions to be minimal.

Then you have the decisive step. That step that is committing and which makes backtracking difficult, with deep implications for our ego, finances and values.

I remember an exact moment, during the departure at the Aber Wrac’h in Brittany: 10 years after my first step , that of discovering the oceans. I’m on Maewan’s deck, hoisting the imposing sail that will carry us to the Great North, the start of a four-year expedition around the world. I look at Brittany’s coasts: comforting, familiar, protective, she represents my comfort zone. Then I turn my gaze to the wide sea and am touched by the endless horizon, where only the waves and the wind dictate rules, of which I do not know anything. A poignant moment where it would still be possible to turn the boat. A moment later the decision is made to commit to the adventure of a lifetime, where bailing can only happen following an accident -like a shipwreck- but never a renouncement with my will losing sight of the objective.

Un objective I want to pursue until the end.

That’s my meaning for Commitment. It’s the same meaning that took form with the creation of the NGO Maewan. I have sufficiently seen the world, been amazed by the encounters, including the enormous amounts of waste I speak about to spark testimony and action. With Marion, our commitment to the planet is underway. At each stopover and return in France, with all our energy and passion we try to support everyone that crosses our paths to find a common sense, a change of behaviours that will lead our generation towards a new, sustainable balance, indispensable if we do not want life to become synonymous with survival.

Marion and myself are lucky because the future generations not only listen to us, but instinctively understand the fragile equilibrium that exists on Planet Earth between water, air, animal and natural life we talk about. They carry with them a different and bright future.

Next, find some photos and captions that embody the different places visited, the magical encounters and the lessons learnt throughout the expedition:

Photo 1: After a week spent with the residents of this village in the Salomon Islands -who had not seen a foreigner since 10 years- we sail-off again loaded with fruits, vegetables, fish and more importantly enriched and inspired by their common sense and use of natural resources.

Photo 2: at every stopover and whenever we get the chance, we share our journey and what we have learned of the world. Pictured here, Marion speaks about the importance of water at Hiva Oa, in the Marquise Islands.

Photo 3: Whereas touristy beaches are cleaned-up immediately, isolated coastlines are inexorably covered with all type of waste washed ashore.

Photo 4: Exploring the Kuril Islands, contested between Japan and Russia since centuries. We find the derelicts of abandoned military bases, where nature slowly takes back control.

Photo 5: The step that commits us with no turning back.  The step that we have to fully commit to. Here, Ferry and Jean in New Zealand.

Photo 6: Cultures are different, the codes change, our habits become obsolete. We have to stay open, understanding, curious to accept the differences. Pictured here, a dinner at Takako’s parents, who invited us to discover this rural village in Japan.

Photo 7: The happiness of achievement. After two months of extreme winter navigation in the North Atlantic Sea, we finally enter the ice sea of Southern Greenland, en route towards the dangerous Cap Farwell. A storm is approaching behind us. It will take us eleven hours to get out of the ice caps and find refuge in the fjords, safe from the winds that would have crushed us against the ice.