A black bandana like that of a pirate with a big heart. All the sailors who will compete this Thursday, the Club 55 Cup transformed for the occasion into the Club 55 Paul Watson Cup, will display this sign of rallying to the cause of Canadian Paul Watson, naval officer and ecological activist against whaling.
Since July 12, he has been imprisoned in Greenland, in support of a notice issued by Interpol, following a complaint from Japan.
From his northern prison, the septuagenarian who resided for several months in the Gulf of Saint-Tropez, claims that he will not survive his extradition.
Among his unwavering supporters: Patrice de Colmont, founder of Nioulargue, at the origin of Voiles de Saint-Tropez.
Awareness
The nautical event which celebrates its 25the edition, will be a tremendous echo. “Visibility”is looking for the Ramatuello restaurateur.
“We produced a large number of bandanas for the Club 55 Cup which takes place on Thursday (and also during the Maxi, the day before).
“Freedom Paul Watson” flags will adorn the masts of the sailboats. The captaincies of Port-Grimaud and Saint-Tropez, the nautical society of Saint-Tropez (organizer of the Voiles) will also raise this appropriate flag.
“Only popular pressure can have a certain effectiveness”argues Patrice de Colmont, who is delighted that the two French petitions in favor of the Canadian activist have collected nearly 1M signatures.
Beyond this media dimension, an auction with some 150 objects — marine accessories, paintings by Navy painters — will be staged.
Auction this Friday
The centerpiece of this sale which will take place on Friday (from 7 p.m. at the Villanova shipyard on the Quai de l’Epi), will undoubtedly be the pointy “les Mots Bleus” having belonged to the singer Christophe, and moored until today today in his favorite port, Port-Grimaud.
“We have to make it a strong day, It’s not Paul Watson’s problem, it’s our society’s problem. There needs to be awareness. What message do we send to those who protect biodiversity if Paul Watson is extradited?
Will the rumor of this mobilization reach Greenland? The King of Denmark, Frederick “We must slow down this extradition procedure”will exhort again and again, Patrice de Colmont.
