Awards received
by the film
Jean-du-Sud
Part one
(Narrates
the first leg of the voyage,
52 min.)
La Rochelle International Film Festival
(France, October 1983)
- Palme d'Or
(unanimous jury)
- Prix de la Presse
Jean-du-Sud (Part
two)
(Narrates
the second leg of the voyage,
52 min.)
Toulon International Maritime and
Exploration Film Festival (France,
June 1984)
- Ancre d'Or
(unanimous jury)
- Prix du public
Turin International Sport
Film Festival (Italy,
June l984)
La Rochelle International
Sailing Film Festival
(France, October 1985)
- Palme
d'Or (unanimous jury)
"With Jean-du-Sud Around the World."
(Videocassette and DVD version,
narrates the whole voyage, 100 min.)
Troiá International Film
Festival (Portugal,
November 1985)
- Premio
da Regiao de Turismo da Costa Azul
Rome International
Maritime Film and Video Festival
(Italy, June
1987)
Jean-du-Sud
(56 min. telefilm version)
Houston International Film
Festival and 21st Annual Festival of the Americas
(U.S.A., April 1988)
"We
are delighted to say that your Silver Award assumes very special significance this year,
as more than 2,500 entries were competing, and there were more than 85
entries in your category alone! My sincerest congratulations for your
outstanding creative excellence in this fine entry. Superbly done! A
delightful film! "
J. Hunter Todd, Chairman and
Founder, Houston International Film Festival, May 9th 1988
Comments in the
English-Speaking Nautical Press about " With Jean-du-Sud Around the
World"
-Quentin Warren,
CRUISING WORLD, reviewing Part One, November 1989
" In 1982 French Canadian
sailor-filmmaker Yves Gélinas undertook a solo circumnavigation aboard his
30-foot Jean-du-Sud and chronicled the long journey on film. This
video is the intriguing result of his efforts, a whimsical, sensitive,
informative view of a remarkable trip and a self-effacing look at the man
who completed it. As a sailor, Gélinas is resourceful and unflappable; as a
filmmaker, he is infinitely imaginative and his subtle mix of camera angles
and unexpected setups makes us forget that the entire event is taking place
aboard a relatively small platform. We watch him bake bread below, repair
gear on deck, bathe off the stern and endure a furious Southern Ocean
crossing. Throughout it all, he talks us through the experience with a
uniquely personal style and an endearing sense of humor. Best of all, he
shows us what it's like to sail around the world alone."
-Peter Rowe, CANADIAN YACHTING,
Spring 1995
(In an article entitled 'Five-Star
Sailing Videos, our top Nautical Pick', film producer Peter Rowe rated "With
Jean-du-Sud Around the World" as one of the six best sailing videos
ever made.¹)
" The lone Canadian winner in
our video round-up is also the quirkiest of the lot. It is personal, unique
and to many viewers will be the most engaging. Quebec actor and film-maker
Yves Gélinas took to sea in an Alberg 30 and during his circumnavigation
made a 100-minute video diary of his adventure. Unlike most sailing videos,
where the filming is often secondary to the voyage, Gélinas focuses on the
act of film-making. As such this single-handed director is always looking
for new and inventive ways to shoot his film at sea. At one point he dons a
helmet-cam and swims away from his boat while it sails along in mid-ocean.
In another remarkable segment, Gélinas flies his camera from a kite above
his boat. Gélinas is a free-thinking loner. When he needs an electrical
generator, he builds one aboard.² He not only bakes his own bread as he
rounds the globe, but even grinds raw barley to make it with. It is clear
that this Quebec vedette is not making Jean-du-Sud for glory at the
Cannes film festival, but for the good of his soul. "I wanted to work full
time to get some peace of mind," he tells us, "so I went sailing."
1. The five others:
1993-94 Whitbread Round the World Race -1993-94 - Rodger Vaugan,
Gary Jobson, Peter Montgomery. Knockdown: The BOC Challenge Single-handed Yacht Race -Don McIntyre, Around Cape Horn
-Irving Johnson, Sailing in Heavy Weather -Mark Shrader,
Cape Horn: the beauty and the fury -Gary Jobson, Jim Kelly
2. Peter Rowe could have added: "When
he wants a better windvane, he designs his own"!
Charles J. Doane,
SAIL, August 2005
“With Jean-du-Sud
Around the World remains one of the most charming cinematic expositions on
ocean sailing ever produced”
Testimonials
One of the most beautiful
testimonials I have received about my film was forwarded to me at the
Chatham Islands, some time before my departure for the second leg of my
voyage.
It had been sent by an unknown lady who had just seen the film narrating the
first leg, when it was broadcast in France. The letter had been addressed to
" Yves Gélinas, Filmmaker and Sailor, Montréal Québec Canada ".
"I want to
say Thank you and Bravo! It may be completely foolish to send this letter
that will be lost, but some bottles at sea end up being found.... And after
all, why restrain one’s impulses, one can sometimes act like a 10 year old.
During one hour last night, I followed your journey with Jean-du-Sud
and since then, it is as if I constantly re-lived those moments that you
were able to show in a manner so different from what we usually see.
Usually, one admires strength, competence, tenacity, technique, courage and
in the great filmed exploits, it is usually what gets across. But with you,
one can see all of this in the background, but there was something more I
call soul. I was moved all along and I made plenty of mistakes in my
knitting while I was watching and listening you describe your actions with
kindness, in a natural and simple manner. What I have felt is that you make
everything a leaven; it is the first time in my life that I allow myself to
tell an unknown person how he moved me.
I wish you a
lot of joy with Jean-du-Sud and come back on our screens. A friend
from France."
Marie, Bondy, October 24, 1982
- "All of us at the Corinthian
Yacht Club of Philadelphia want to thank you for a most
enjoyable presentation. Your film, indeed, captures many
aspects of a single-handed circumnavigation which most of us have only
read about. Watching your remarkable film brings to
life a voyage which the average sailor will never experience. I would be
pleased to recommend your presentation to any groups
considering it."
-
- William G Warden IV, Entertainment
Chairman, 7 March, 1988
-
- "I want to thank you again for
sharing your wonderful film With Jean-du-Sud around the World with
the Windjammers last Friday night. It was all that I remembered it be and
you must know how well it was received by the response from the audience.
We expected the film to be terrific - if only because of the prestigious
awards it has won - but I must say that it is your personal presentation
that kept the people up with you all the way. You certainly have a
great way of telling a story. "
-
- Andrew Mutch II, Commodore, The
Windjammers of the Chesapeake, April, 1990
-
"It is undoubtedly the
best sailing film we've ever seen in all respects!"
- Raymond P. Bishop, January, 1995
-
- "We think your video is
terrific!"
-
- Don Baker and Duane Dodgson,
Portland OR, February, 7, 1995
-
- "I have just finished viewing
your film With Jean-du-Sud Around the World and I must say WELL
DONE! I thought that your seamanship, film-making, wit, and ability to
cope, are nothing short of first class."
-
- Gary Verge, Sheet Harbor, NS,
February, 1995
-
- "We enjoyed watching your video.
It is not only of special interest to sailors because of your great
adventure but it is a truly beautiful piece of artwork
as well."
-
- Jim and Mona Anderson, Toronto,
December, 1991
-
- "I have never been so pleased
to spend money before in my entire life. Please find enclosed my check
for $40.00. I can not begin to tell you the impact that your
video has had. I have viewed this video at least four or five times
already. I found myself enthralled with your voyage
and personal experiences. I would hope to participate in the joy and
satisfaction that you achieved in your voyage by embarking on a similar
journey at some point in the future. You are to be commended for your
efforts during your trip, the equipment that you developed and especially
for the cinematography."
-
- Reginald P. Danboise, Boston MA,
December, 1991
-
- "Thank you very much for the
information and the incredible video. It was truly
fantastic. So much so, that I have decided to keep
it. It will be shown many more times."
-
- Christopher C. Vassiliou, Atlanta
GA.
-
- "The circumnavigation, the film
and the self-steerer are all magnificent."
-
- Joe Laterra, Narragansett,
RI, January, 1994
-
- "It was a wonderful
film and you are to be complimented on this extraordinary feat of
sailing."
-
- Robert J. Murray, Boston, MA ,July
1993
-
- 'Thanks so much for sharing your
adventure with us. You have done an incredible job,
producing a film that allows the viewer to 'feel what you feel'
when at sea. We viewed the video with three other couples who will be
cruising in the near future, and all felt they were with you on
Jean-du-Sud."
-
- Caroll and Johanna Redden, Corner
Brook NF, March, 1993
-
- "Your film is the best
offshore film I have seen. As Hemmingway said: 'it catches the
feeling of the thing'."
-
- Jim Gallup, Calgary, AB, October,
1992
-
Suite: Capsized in
the Southern ocean
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