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”