12.12.2013 Miami
Miami, Florida December 12th 2013
World record holder and Royal Sea Academy member Alvaro de Marichalar has taken to the waves once again on his 3m vessel (jetski) "NUMANCIA", in commemoration of Spanish explorer Nuñez de Balboa's Discovery of the Pacific Ocean 500 years ago.
De Marichalar departed from Diner Key Marina at 2 PM for a 18 days long tour that will take him through 9 Countries and across the Panama Canal with his first stop Key West. He will then continue to Havana, Cuba; Mexico; Belice; Honduras; Nicaragua; Costa Rica; Panama.
The Consul General of Panama in Miami, Mr. Tommy Guerra and the President of the Panamanian American Chamber of Commerce, Gisela Thomas, were present on the farewell; among other authorities, friends and media.
Álvaro travels alone (without support vessel) and navigates standing up 100% of the time.
He will sleep some nights at beaches or ports of call where he will refuel and eat.
The rest of the evenings he sleeps on his waterscooter drifting at high seas.
He carries four extra gas tankers to increase the range up to 150 Nautical Miles (270Km)
There are two radical stages to accomplish: Crossing from Florida to Cuba 100 miles (180km) and sailing from Cuba to Mexico 120 Miles (218Km)
This implies to navigate solo without seeing any land, from seven to 22 hours (depending on the sea conditions)
The voyage, Pacific Discovery Expedition / Expedicion Descubrimiento Pacifico, supports the End Polio Now campaign.
Álvaro de Marichalar
USA: +1 203 522 6158
Satellite: +88 162 247 7476