A new solo sailing world record attempt got under way from Plymouth Mayflower Marina at the end of September.
Setting Sail for a Record: Arek Pawelek’s Journey Begins
Polish sailor Arek Pawelek departed Mayflower Marina on the outward afternoon tide, cheered on by friends, family, and supporters as he set sail to attempt to single-handedly circumnavigate the globe, non-stop and unassisted in his five-metre yacht ‘Elblag’.
A Record-Breaking Expedition: Challenging the Seas
Arek’s world record attempt will see the determined sailor follow the classic sea route around the three famous capes of Africa, Australia, and South America without stopping at ports and without medical or technical support. Arek’s living space on the yacht for the anticipated 300 days is less than two square metres.
Self-Sufficiency at Sea: The Sailor’s Life Aboard
The seasoned sailor will be self-sufficient on board the yacht, living on freeze-dried, vacuum-packed food and using a manual desalination pump to make drinking water.
Chasing a Record: A Previous Feat Inspires
The current world record for the smallest yacht to circumnavigate the globe was achieved by his fellow countryman and friend Szymon Kuczynski, Skipper of the 6.36 m-long yacht ‘Atlantic Puffin’ in 2017. Szymon, who also nominated Mayflower Marina in Plymouth for his successful world record, met with Arek just before his departure in Plymouth and wished his potential world record successor sage advice and fair winds ahead of the arduous adventure.
Arek’s Adventurous Journey: A Sailor’s Tale
Arek, who took up sailing in his thirties, following a naval career as a diver, has already established himself as an experienced sailor, having participated in the Sydney to Hobart and Gotland Runt races. Arek’s adventurous nature first attracted attention in 1998 when he participated in sailing across the Atlantic in a four metre-long inflatable boat.
A History of Sailings: Arek’s Nautical Milestones
In 2008, Arek sailed single-handedly around Cape Horn on an open RIB and, in 2016, took part in the Setka Atlantic Challenge, which involved sailing on self-built five-metre-long plywood boats from Setka to Martinique.
Anticipating a Year at Sea: The Journey Ahead
Arek Pawelek is expected to spend around 10-11 months on his five-metre yacht ‘Elblag’, whose name and distinct pink colour was chosen by the ‘godmother’ of the vessel, Arek’s seven-year-old daughter Julia.
A Sailor’s Determination: The Drive Behind the Journey
Arek said:
“Fewer than three hundred people have sailed single-handedly around the world, and less than one hundred sailors achieved this without stopovers or outer backing.”
“People have asked why I want to sail such a small boat. I was searching for a new adventure and considered sailing the world on my 2.7 metre-long dinghy. My wife, unsurprisingly, was concerned about this and suggested I sail the world in ‘Elblag’ instead.”
Supporting the Record-Breaker: Mayflower Marina’s Wishes
Managing director of Mayflower Marina, Charles Bush, said:
“We are delighted to support Arek and Elblag at Mayflower Marina ahead of this incredible record attempt. We wish Arek the best of luck and will follow his progress with great interest. We look forward to championing his safe return next summer.”
