Cousteaus Calypso lies rotting

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I just bought a Revel plastic model of the Calypso on ebay. They come up pretty often. Complete with helicopter and two sea fleas.
 
salimbag:
I just bought a Revel plastic model of the Calypso on ebay. They come up pretty often. Complete with helicopter and two sea fleas.
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Yep, I need to get one of those myself.
 
Here is a response from the Cousteau Society to a query I made about the future of the Calypso. They speak as though funding for restoration is being pursued by the City of La Rochelle and the Maritime Museum, but independent media has made it clear that that isn't happening. The owners of the boat, the Guinness family, have refused to cooperate, and Cousteau's granddaughter and second wife are wrangling over rights. The latest I heard is that no one is looking to restore it and it's too late anyway. Is there someone who could open the link below and see what the date is (and perhaps paraphrase it for me, although I think I already know what it says), since the information the Society gave me was correct as of a few years ago but I think is no longer.
Thanks!

>>Dear Mr. Dodds,

Thank you for contacting the Cousteau Society. I apologize for taking so
long to respond to your questions about Calypso but needed to check with
other staffers first. Calypso is in La Rochelle, France, right now, in
sad shape, as you would expect of a vessel that was holed and sunk. You
can see her from the pier but certainly not go aboard. The City of La
Rochelle and the National Maritime Museum are raising the considerable
funds necessary to make her into a centerpiece of the Museum but, as far
as I can find out, there is no schedule for her opening. If you read
French, you can find out more at the Web site
http://touringplanet.com/Escapade/France/musee-maritime-La-Rochelle.htm.<<
 
This reminds me--I have probably posted this before, but I thought I'd ask again. I have been looking for a VHS or DVD of The Silent World for a while now. I have only found it in French, but I know it exists in English somewhere, somehow.

Does anyone here have it or have you seen it anyplace?
 
Hi Sue. I'm looking as well. Cousteau society says it is not available, period. If it's out there, I'll find it! Let's keep each other posted. Actually, I'd like to find all his early docs, especially World Without Sun.
 
salimbag:
Is there someone who could open the link below and see what the date is (and perhaps paraphrase it for me, although I think I already know what it says), since the information the Society gave me was correct as of a few years ago but I think is no longer.
Thanks!

I clicked around and found it, but did not notice a date anywhere. Anyway, the article indicated that the financing for a parital restoration has been secured, and that the work should begin this year -- whenever that is.
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Aye, Calypso, the places you've been to
The things that you've shown us
The stories you tell
Aye, Calypso, I sing to your spirit
The men who have served you
So long and so well
-- John Denver


I wish I could find the Hawaiian words that he sings at the end of the chorus. Anybody know them?
 
SueMermaid:
This reminds me--I have probably posted this before, but I thought I'd ask again. I have been looking for a VHS or DVD of The Silent World for a while now. I have only found it in French, but I know it exists in English somewhere, somehow.

Does anyone here have it or have you seen it anyplace?
Click to expand...

Hi Sue. I've found a place that may have this. I've sent a private message to that effect.
 
salimbag:
Hi Sue. I've found a place that may have this. I've sent a private message to that effect.
Click to expand...


hi,

i'm also looking for the movie and find it amazing that a movie that has an oscar isn't available for sale at a lot of the usual places. in fact i seem to be unable to find it.
 
I had the privilege of living a dream- working for the Cousteaus on one of their TV documentaries in the "Rediscovery of the World" series back in 1985. I've also worked with Jean-Michel off-and-on since the mid-70's.

I am not surprised regarding the condition of the Calypso. TCS does not appear to be in good hands these days following JYC's death. It is a shame that the vision cannot be maintained within TCS.

However some of those dreams are bring carried on by Jean-Michel through Ocean Futures and by Philippe's widow and children through the Philippe Cousteau Foundation.

As for the Calypso, it deserves an honorable death but let the vision and dreams continue through those two organizations and through each of us that cares.

Dr. Bill
 
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