About The skipper
ESP
Nationality
tba
Start date
Boat: Waypoint - Pogo40S Class40 (Finot-Conq)
Lives: Valencia, Spain
Born in: 1969
Miles sailed: 150.000+
Status: Provisional Entry
Where does your passion for sailing come from?
I was born with it. I used to look out the window of my house in Gijón, Asturias, and see that horizon line that attracted me so much. The Sea, the Sea… And I ended up sailing because it was the quickest way I could get to it.
What lessons have you learnt from sailing?
My entire life is the sea and sailing. My way of behaving on land comes from what I’ve learned at sea. Discipline, action, resolution, resilience — above all, resilience.
What brought you to like single-handed sailing?
I started very young by volunteering to move boats in the Bay of Biscay. I don’t know what makes me feel so comfortable alone at sea. Honestly, I don’t know.
What prompted you to sign up for this event?
Everything that drove me to be in the first edition, multiplied by the desire to finish the Global Solo Challenge. I have the chance to learn from mistakes and poor choices. I know the Path and it’s very hard — but I know it.
How do you plan to prepare for this event?
Sail, sail, and sail. The years go by and physical preparation is essential, but in this case, I’ll channel it into something I love — sailing. Regarding project management, the learning has been intense and the changes huge. They don’t guarantee success, but they do shape the way to achieve it.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge?
Getting to the start well prepared. I guarantee I know that.
Tell us about your boat or the boat you would like to have.
I’ll keep the same boat from the first edition, Pogo 40 S number 69. Our relationship is deep. I know what she needs and she knows how to ask without demands. She, the boat, knows how hard it is — but also how hard I’m working to get her ready.
Do you intend to link this personal challenge with a social message?
I discovered a philanthropic organization, Synergy Club International, with whom I worked after the flood that devastated southern Valencia. Together we were able to help, and their sincere approach to social good impacted me and gained my support. Also, the need to raise awareness around capturing carbon where it shouldn’t be, hand in hand with The Carbon Capture Society.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
The challenge is huge. I know that firsthand. Having Vigo as the start and finish is hugely motivating for me, because the affection I have for that land is well known there. The professionalism and warmth of the Global Solo Challenge organization is another reason. I want to live that again. Lastly, I can’t deny the child I once was all the work and effort he’s put in until today. Resilience!
Sailing Experience
Global Solo Challenge 2023/24, retired. Minitransat 1995, La Solitaire Le Figaro 1997, Barcelona World Race 2010/11.
About The Boat
Sail number: ESP 69
Boat design: Class40 - Pogo40S (Finot-Conq)
Year built: 2008
LOA: 40ft
Displacement: 4950kgs
Upwind sail area: 115m2
Downwind sail area: 270m2
