Walvis Bay, Namibia – 17 February 2011 – The “Energy Diet” Trimaran crew from Russia is currently in Walvis Bay, Namibia, having successfully navigated the east and west coasts of South Africa, and are preparing for the final stage of their expedition: an unassisted ocean crossing on a rubber boat.
A Guinness Book of Records representative, Mr. Alexey Svistunov, has arrived in Walvis Bay to accredit the voyage across the Atlantic Ocean as an official Guinness World Records attempt. Alexey Svistunov is also editor-in-chief of the Russian Book of Records and himself an experienced extreme sportsman.
Captain Anatoly Kulik, designer of the trimaran, comments on his experience of navigating the boat around South Africa’s coastline:
“The standard inflatable catamaran is not suitable for ocean sailing as it does not offer sufficient comfort and strength; it is better suited to leisure sailing. The trimaran trip from South Africa to Namibia was especially severe due to the harsh weather conditions; however, the experience allowed us to observe and analyze some mistakes in the construction of the trimaran while completing the trip around South Africa. Interestingly, we were able to keep dry all the time despite the cockpit being so close to the water. On any other cat we would have been soaked…“
The impact of the trip around the Cape of Good Hope is clearly visible on the boat. The crew is in good spirits, but new physical and psychological challenges lie ahead for these four extreme travelers from Siberia when they leave Africa’s shores at the end of February 2011.
The crossing of the ocean could take up to 30 days and unlike most cruising yachts, the trimaran will not be stopping at St Helena or Ascension on its way from Africa to Brazil so as to make this an unbroken voyage in accordance with Guinness stunt record rules.
The psychological tenacity of the team members is set to be tested to the extreme as the brave sailors have only four square meters of living space. “There is no comfort on the trimaran – not even for everyday things such as having a nap or enjoying a cup of tea. The mental strength required is unbelievable – not anyone can undertake such a trip ... “, says Alexey Svistunov.
The Media is hereby invited to a press conference and photo opportunity
with the trimaran and its crew at the following venue and time
with the trimaran and its crew at the following venue and time
| Place: | Walvis Bay Yacht Club, Namibia | ||
| Date: | Wednesday 23 February 2011 | ||
| Time: | 17.30 18.00 | Drinks Press conference | |
For RSVP and further information / participation contact: | ||
| Press Coordinator Karin Solomon Mobile: +2783 781-2000 Tel: +2731 332-5394 e-mail: karin@words-out.co.za | Conference Organiser Marion Bausch Walvis Bay Yacht Club Mobile +264 811 242 693 e-mail: marionfw@iway.na | |
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