French expedition explores Indonesia

French expedition explores Indonesia

By Jules Bell

JAKARTA (JP): In both the late 18th and 20th centuries, the
Indonesian archipelago has been explored by sailing ships called
La Boudeuse.

The first time was by Louis Antoine de Bougainville, during
the first ever French expedition to sail around the world. Now a
new generation of Bougainville's countrymen are back. As you read
this, 14 French sailors are exploring Indonesia in a Chinese
junk, named after its 18th century predecessor.

Adventure and discovery are the aims of the Spirit of
Bougainville expedition, explained Captain Patrice Franceschi on
board La Boudeuse, during a press invitation Sept. 4. Cultural
exchange is also a focus of the voyage.

"The aim is to introduce the region to the French public
through encounters with local people, especially the youth in the
coming millennium," said the expedition's press release.

The voyage, which has a strong following in Europe, commenced
on June 27 when the sailors left Cambodia for Singapore in their
modernized and restored replica 19th century Chinese warship -
complete with red sails and painted dragons. Following repairs,
the adventurers departed Singapore arriving at Jakarta's Ancol
Marina on Aug. 30.

Easily identifiable in his classic blue and white striped
sailor's uniform, the ship's first-mate Marc Bonguardo said the
trip is a world voyage, "but Asia is most important and
interesting to us right now, so that is why we have come here
first."

The adventurers departed Ancol Marina on Sept. 6, heading
toward the Mentawai Islands off the west coast of Sumatra. Beyond
Indonesia and its western islands, Papua New Guinea, the
Philippines and India are high on the list of places to visit he
said.

The collective aim of the crew is the exploration of Indonesia
and neighboring countries and to learn about the cultures of the
people they meet. The lifestyle of sailing and living on the boat
seemed equally important to the crew.

"You don't breath the same air, have the same time schedule
everyday and meet the same people," said Bonguardo comparing his
present profession with working in an office. "You also use you
body and brain at the same time," he added.

La Boudeuse's mixed gender crew includes two captains, two
first-mates, a variety of experts including a geographer and an
engineer and young French youth ambassadors. Most of the crew are
experienced sailors, divers and travelers.

Anthony Albertini, 23, said he and his two fellow youth
ambassadors won the chance to join the expedition after a contest
held in regional areas of France. The inclusion of the young
sailors is to promote cultural exchange between France and the
countries visited.

"I am curious about the scientific exhibition. How
ethnologists work and what techniques they use," he explained. "I
want to discover countries I do not know, meet people and
discover new cultures that are different from my own. When we
leave we will be richer for the experience," said Albertini.

The crew, a collection of interesting characters, have
individual interests and goals on the voyage. Geographer
Archambeau Olivier said he had Bougainville's original maps, and
that it was fascinating to follow his route and compare the old
maps with their 20th century equivalents. "It is interesting to
see if he made any mistakes," said Olivier, who has visited
Sumatra in the past as a journalist.

The driving force and leader of the expedition, Captain
Franceschi, is a man of vast experience, a lifetime history of
adventure and an author. His eighteen books chronicle his leaving
home at 19, and his adventures over 25 years through places
including Afghanistan, the Amazon, and Central Africa.

He was the first person to fly around the world in an
ultralight, and has participated in humanitarian aid programs in
Somalia, Lebanon and Bosnia. With all this experience, what is
his philosophy in life?

"Adventuring is a strong, free and true life," said the short
but stocky character who would look right at home in a Hollywood
action movie set on the high seas. "A true life is about
curiosity and freedom all over the world," he said.

Almost exclusively privately funded, the expedition started
with the purchase of a tourist ship that previously hosted the
likes of film star Robert De Niro and former U.S. president
Ronald Reagan whilst cruising Cambodia's Mekong River.

La Boudeuse, now a blend of 19th century styling and modern
technology, was built in 1989, and purchased from its previous
owners following financial difficulties. Three months of work
began on the ship in April this year.

The restoration of the ship in Cambodia included three new
masts and sails shipped from France and the addition of modern
navigational and communications technology. Built entirely of
wood, the ship is 30 meters long, seven meters wide and over six
meters high. Below deck, these dimensions allow for spacious
living areas and cabins.

"It is a dream ship," said Captain Franceschi, "a very
beautiful ship." The expedition's photographer, Arnie Hodalic,
agreed with the captain. "It is a beautiful boat to live in. We
have everything. We even have girls on the boat," he laughed.

The sailors plan to spend one year traveling around West
Indonesia, the Philippines and neighboring countries. They are
yet to decide whether to sail east or west toward France, and
plan to visit numerous countries along the way, eventually
returning home at some point in the future.

But probably not for long. "I love being at sea," said
Hodalic, and it would be a safe guess that the rest of the crew
do too.