The Kayak-Sea-Nature-Hikes-Competitions association, dedicated to the protection of the Coastline through the organization of sports challenges, is going to undertake the unprecedented crossing of the Mediterranean, between Carthage and Nice, in a sail kayak, an innovative ecological vessel, born from the union of sailing and kayaking, a route of 539.960 nautical miles (1000km). The exact departure and arrival dates will depend on the weather, however, the departure from Carthage is scheduled for around August 24, with an arrival in Nice on August 31.
Why this challenge?
The Mediterranean basin is the historical cradle of the development of the Mediterranean shores: the first travelers departed from Greece, Rome, Carthage to exchange products, know-how, and culture.
Eric TABARLY considered the Mediterranean Sea to be one of the most dangerous in the world. Its “gales,” the shape, and the scale of its waves, represent for every type of vessel, and for every navigator, a constant challenge both materially, physically, and mentally.
In 2005, the Kayak Sea Nature Hikes Competitions (K.M.N.R.C.) association had undertaken and succeeded in this challenge by organizing the first crossing between Corsica and Nice in a sea kayak, one of the oldest vessels invented by man, a safe, effective, and non-polluting means of water transport.
But let’s hear from its president Sophie Rizzetto: “The encouragements and messages of support pushed us to launch a new sporting and educational challenge, laden with symbolism, that of the union of the Mediterranean peoples; by connecting two of these exceptional shores from Carthage to Nice, a maritime link that emerged in Antiquity.
Thus, we decided to combine the two ancestral means of propulsion: wind and physical strength: kayaking and sailing.
To establish this unprecedented non-stop crossing, we decided to choose a sail kayak. This safe vessel is a sea kayak in which a sail kit and a retractable keel are integrated. A self-sufficient vessel perfect for the irregular weather of our coastline, an unsinkable, easy-to-use, and affordable vessel.”
To accomplish this unprecedented 1000 km non-stop crossing, the four team members will take turns every 50 km without interruption. They will have to cover an average of 200 km per day and night for 5 days and 6 nights.
This crossing is therefore a homage to the work in progress but also a call for union to be stronger in order to continue and defend this fight.
