An interview with Pietro Godenzi by Marie Laure Schick
It is in a bar in Carouge that we meet Pietro, the President of Association Pacifique. Sipping a cold beer, he evokes his passion for the oceans and great human adventures. We promise him that the next interview will take place with a glass of T-Punch under the tropics, on the deck of Fleur de Passion.
First of all, tell us how your passion for the oceans began.
I believe that this passion began when I was about 15, as I watched the gulls fly. At that age, I had a hard time concentrating on my daily life. I already dreamt of freedom and of the ocean’s great expanse. I first started windsurfing and then sailing.
Explain what experiences you’ve had on the oceans?
When I was twenty-nine, a friend suggested that we sail around the world before it was too late, which meant before we were thirty! Eight months later we left with our girlfriends for four years around the world. We crossed the Atlantic Ocean twice before ending up in Madagascar. We then came back to Europe through the Red Sea.
When you came back, what made you decide to set up the Association Pacifique?
Everything started with the discovery of Fleur de Passion, an old sailboat, which we decided to buy. One of my friends had been in Corsica working as a cabin girl on this boat, which had been sailing for 20 years. It was up for sale. She told me about it and out of curiosity, I went to see it. I immediately liked Fleur de Passion: it was a beautiful boat with a lot of character. Similarly, the contact with the former owner went very well. I therefore considered buying and renovating it. The social aspect of the project was a no-brainer. I had already lived my own experiences and I now wanted to share them with others. In addition, I already had links with social work before this project as a street animator. Beyond the desire to create this social project, my motivation was also to realise a dream and do something a little different.
What were the reactions of the people around you when you told them of your decision to buy Fleur de Passion?
My close family and friends were touched by my enthusiasm. Some of my friends even joined me to in starting the project, we are 6 founding members. The others thought we were crazy!
What are the main objectives and projects of Pacifique?
Our primary aim was to reach our dreams and set sail. These dreams were to invite scientists, youngsters and eco-volunteers aboard Fleur de Passion and set off on long ocean voyages to give them a different experience of life. During such long journeys, people are confronted with the elements, above all, life at sea enables you to discover yourself and others.
Do you feel that through the realization of this project you are carrying out a specific mission?
No, not at all. I am only trying to be someone who is respectful and tolerant with regards to the people around me. Step by step, perhaps I will be able to transmit my message, one of solidarity, one that I found for myself out at sea.
Your favourite expression or motto?
That of the Knights : « All for one, one for all! »
