Six scientists, three young men, two sailors and an artist. Noah's Ark will be designed by L'Océan des Possibilities when it arrives in Madagascar, scheduled for the end of the year. The group plans to sail around Africa to make its ship available to specialists who want to study ocean sciences on the island of Madagascar. At the same time, vocational training in marine trades and sciences will be provided to three young people, and the artist will make the boat his home. While waiting to sail, the association dropped anchor for its 21.50m steel sailboat in the main basin of Kearnyvale Harbor at Larmor Plage.
“A tool dedicated to scientific research”
The idea was born from the mind of Arsène Rousseau a few years ago, when he was still a member of the Merchant Navy: “I wanted to offer a useful tool for scientific research in places affected by climate change that unites.” Arsène was then joined by about a hundred members, including five believers working daily in the mission and Pauline De Decker, the project director.
Iconic boat
Before sailing, you still have to own a boat, and the association did not choose it randomly: “We saw an ad on Facebook, unfortunately we didn't have the money, so the owner's family sponsored this boat. So we were able to acquire Le Patriac'h for 100,000 euros.” ,” explains Pauline de Decker.
They then, accompanied by other members, returned the boat to Lorient, where the project manager lives.
They are both proud to make available a ship built by two enthusiasts on the outskirts of Paris in the 1970s and which was then the subject of the first TV documentary about the famous Thalassa programme.
The Patriac ship will soon be equipped with 40 solar panels which will specifically power the scientific facilities installed on board. (Le Telegram/Marwan Nabli)
I am looking for volunteers and donations
The association's first goal is to be able to collect enough donations to be able to equip the boat as it should be: “two cranes are planned for dynamic surveys and static surveys, a depth sounder for monitoring bottom elements, but also three “laboratories that will make it possible, among other things “Determine the physical properties of water and experiment with new flexible and sustainable systems,” says Arsène Rousseau, who adds: “The scientists themselves will determine which action they want to lead.” “
In Lorient, L'Océan des Possibilities already collaborates with the science students' association La Palme Verte and the social center Escale Brizeux.
Heading to Madagascar
In Madagascar, Arsène and Pauline should be able to benefit from the income generated by renting the boat and paying the wages of five members of the association. They will then have all the time needed “to create social connections, making marine careers accessible to young people”, but also to shout loudly and articulate the message that serves as the association's compass: “Understanding our world to preserve its wonders”. By promoting scientific findings through actions.
practical
To donate to the association: www.helloasso.com/associations/l-ocean-des-possibles-expeditions
