by William Gomes

It is the initiative launched by a young French sailor of 26. Setting sail from Savar, to reach the transalpine shores after six months at sea. The ship designed in France and built in the Asian country, is unsinkable. A "scientific and humanitarian” mission to enhance a traditional local resource.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) - From Bangladesh to France by sea, in an out of the ordinary adventure of a "scientific and humanitarian" nature. This is the initiative launched by a young French engineer and sailor, Corentin de Chatelperron 26, who set sail February 13 from Savar, upazila of Dhaka district, 24 km northwest of the capital. The ultimate goal will be the French coast, after a six-month tour that will cross the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. A historic adventure for Bangladesh, since the boat was produced locally, with the collaboration of expert transalpine sailors.

 The sailor began his journey from Savar (pictured) and, along the Bongsi river, will reach Kuakata, where the boat will meet with the sea. After crossing the Bay of Bengal, he will head for Sri Lanka, and Oman, Egypt and, at the end of six months at sea, will touch the French coast, his native land. The real source of pride for the people of Bangladesh, however, is that the young engineer will sail aboard a boat built in Bangladesh. This is a small fiberglass and jute sailboat, according to a project created by French designer Mark Van Peteghem with the collaboration of Bengal Jute Industries and the contribution of a local engineer, Abul Khaer.  

The boat was fitted out in the Tara Tari shipyards, owned by Yves Marre, who explains to AsiaNews about the technical details: "The boat is made of a 60% fibre glass – he highlights - and by 40% jute, which ensures it is watertight. It has an engine, but the navigation is based mainly on the sail. It is 100% secure. The cost of the boat is about 350 thousand taka (just over 3500 euros).    

In the past, Tara Tari created the largest floating hospital in the world with a length of 45 meters, six bed wards, an X-ray machine, a structure for small surgical operations, a visiting room for obstetrics, gynaecology and a dentist: a means of bringing relief and assistance to different areas of Bangladesh, especially poorer areas.  

Speaking ahead of the launch, Corentin de Chatelperron said he would bring a laptop computer, cell phone, digital camera, food and medicine with him for his six months at sea. He is no stranger to solo adventures, and commends the characteristics of his vessel: "It is unsinkable – he reveals - and if it is hit by a wave it is able to turn around automatically." The French navigator intends to "demonstrate the validity of these jute fibres, which for centuries have been the main industry in this country."

 

• bangladesh
• resource
• sail
• boat
• journey
• france
• design
• jute
• fibre