Bernard Moitessier: A Wanderer of the South Seas

The call of the open sea has always captivated the hearts of sailors, urging them to leave the safety of harbors and venture into the unknown. This timeless pursuit of adventure, driven by the wind and the waves, remains a powerful force for many. As I reached the mouth of the harbor in my newly built sailboat, leaving behind the red and green lights, I couldn’t help but feel a connection to the countless sailors who have embarked on similar journeys throughout history. One such sailor is Bernard Moitessier, whose life and adventures continue to inspire mariners around the world.

“After several years building my sailboat, I was now reaching the mouth of the harbor, leaving behind the red and green lights, seeking open waters in search of the wind that would carry me to the start of my adventure…”

This sentiment resonates with sailors across centuries, even today, with modern technical advances at their disposal: GPS, autopilot, satellite communications, beacons, life rafts, and more. However, about seventy years ago, such luxuries were not available.

Bernard Moitessier: A Sailor of the Past

Bernard Moitessier, a twenty-seven-year-old Frenchman born in the overseas colonies of Indochina, learned to sail with his old Snark in the Gulf of Tonkin. He set sail for the second time, the first with the Marie Thérèse. After 85 days navigating the seas of Burma and the Gulfs of Siam and Bengal, he crashed into a small island in the Chagos Archipelago, located in the British territories of the Indian Ocean. On another occasion, departing from La Réunion with the Marie Thérèse II, the winds carried him to the Antilles, where he shipwrecked again after running aground on some reefs.

These adventures are chronicled in his book, A Wanderer of the South Seas. It’s an engaging story filled with voyages, both good and bad moments, fear and luck, storms, calms, and shipwrecks.

Perseverance and Passion

Despite facing numerous challenges, including a lack of money and friends, Moitessier managed to reach France. There, he eventually married his first wife, François. In 1963, the couple embarked on a significant journey, crossing the Atlantic Ocean, traversing the Panama Canal, and sailing the Pacific Ocean. They decided to return via Cape Horn, achieving the longest continuous navigation until then, spanning 126 days.

The Golden Globe 1968

In 1968, Moitessier registered for the first Golden Globe, a solo race around the world, following the route of the three capes. This race marked another chapter in his life, filled with nautical adventures aboard sailboats like the Joshua, and inspired several books.

Golden Globe 1968, Joshua and the South Pacific.

A Legacy of Adventure

For those who cherish the adventurous spirit of the past, I highly recommend reading A Wanderer of the South Seas. It’s a delightful read that captures the essence of sailing and the resilience of a remarkable sailor.

Honoring a Legend

Angela Lago crafted an anchor medallion in 100% Sterling silver to pay homage to the legendary sailor Bernard Moitessier, embodying his adventurous spirit and deep connection to the sea. This piece is a testament to Moitessier’s enduring legacy and the inspiration he continues to provide to sailors worldwide.