Sailing solo around the world
You can say that in contemporary world sailing solo around the planet is no longer something outstanding. But it’s still one of the toughest challenges a man can take. Over 3600 people climbed Everest (37 Poles), over 300 managed to climb K2 (10 Poles). But only 270 sailors made it round the world – 15 were from Poland. Why so few?
Common thinking is that sailing requires some secret knowledge and lot of money. So we want to prove that ocean sailing is affordable and available for a wider group of people. Maxus 22 (LOA 6,36m) is the smallest Polish yacht to sail around the globe – and one of the smallest in the fleet of those who completed the challenge.
This project is taking further our previous experience of sailing across the Atlantic onboard „Lilla My” (LOA 5,00 m). Our yacht crossed the ocean in both directions (Europe – Caribbean leg was sailed solo, return from Caribbean to Europe double handed). It was the smallest Polish yacht ever to do it. We were awarded for this project with various Polish sailing awards and trophies (Szymon Kuczynski was declared Sailor of the Year 2013 by both Polish sailing monthly “Wiatr” and cpt. K. Baranowski;)
Main assumptions of Maxus Solo Around project are:
- Adapt a series, small boat to an ocean sailing voyage;
- Make clear that taking part in blue water racing does not need a huge budget;
- Prove that regardless the size of the yacht, sailing is safe and available for everyone;
Project steps:
1. Boat construction:
Maxus 22 construction and fitting; Boat is being built by our project Main Partner – Northmann Shipyard. [Technical data: LOA 6,36m / width 2,48m / sails 23 sq.m.] This boat was originally designed to sail on different waters – from inland through coastal to sea going on Baltic, Adriatic, Mediterranean or Bay of Biscay. Inside it hosts 3 people in coastal cruise, 2 in ocean sailing. Rigging and fittings are to be safely managed singlehanded.
2. Boat testing:
Speed record attempt for yachts under 6.45m (Górki Zachodnie – Swinoujscie, current record time of reference 83hrs 41 min).
“Sailing Iceland 2014” project: Sailing from Poland through Denmark, Norway, Shetlands and Faroes to Iceland. Two small yachts and 3 persons involved. Szymon Kuczynski will sail onboard 5-metre-long “Lila My”. Dobrochna Nowak and Katarzyna Sałaban will take off onboard 6,36-metre-long Maxus 22.
3. Baltic Sea Racing - Szymon Kuczyński solo onboard Maxus 22: -Unity Line race (06-09.08.2014, Świnoujście – Międzyzdroje – Dziwnów – Świnoujście. More at: www.regatyunityline.pl) -Baltic Solo Polonez Cup Race (11-16.08.2014 - Świnoujście – Christianso – Świnoujście; more at: www.regaty-poloneza.pl)
4. Delivery & Media trip – Poland – Canary Islands, crewed
Crewed sail from Poland to Canaries. From mid-september 2014 to end of October we’ll visit the biggest sailing centers in Europe, like Nieuport, La Rochelle etc. In every marina a media meeting will be held as well as meetings with local sailors and communities.
5. Solo around the globe On November 10th 2014, Szymon will start his solo voyage around the world. His route will take him across Atlantic, Panama Channel, Pacific, Torres Straight, Indian Ocean, Cape of Good Hope and Atlantic back to Europe. This sail is to be completed by spring 2016.
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