Text on the back cover of the book “I already knew it was easier by plane”:
This book tells an exciting sea voyage of more than two months at sea. Crossing the Ocean Rowing Altântico exclusively without assistance of any kind. It sails under a blazing sun, or in the middle of tropical storm winds, spectacular with whales, imaginary pirates, difficult rescues, magic liquid light, nights painted by hundreds of shooting stars ...
Moments of suffering, fear and exhaustion that alternate with optimism, pleasure and spirituality ...
Paddling the Columbus Route navigation techniques described, survival, improvement, extreme control ... Finally, whole purpose of life inspired by positive thinking.
With the Honorary Patronage S.A.R. The Prince of Asturias and in support of San Lazaro Benevolent Association-Children-Love, the author, along with his friend and fellow Volunteer Firefighter Adeje, Pancho Korff, first team participated as speaking Spanish and rowing regatta in the world's longest.
They sailed from Costa Adeje, Tenerife, and reached the island of Barbados in the Caribbean after sailing 2.835 miles (5.250 km) in a small boat 7 meters.
Chronicle
D DAY TIME H
Reza, but do not stop paddling toward shore, Russian proverb. My work schedule shows me every day with a new aphorism, and this to read days before departure was very appropriate for the occasion. When there were less than 24 hours to sail, Saturday morning 6 October, after waking up in my apartment, nerves chained me to the bed like a trap. Two years ago it seemed that this important day 7 would never come, but ... I was almost about to start the adventure. It was within a few years or months, even after a few days, was simple and crudely: Morning! I met Phil Scantlebury, Olympic rowing coach and tireless contributor transatlantic and our team.
-Believe it or not, Phil, I can not lift, I have a knot in the stomach. I've been trying for a while but I feel blocked, I feel awful, I commented upon waking.
-Do some yoga, breathe deeply, 'he answered in a calm voice and the best will Indicator.
It was within a few years or months, even after a few days, was simple and crudely: Morning
I could not believe. During the two years of preparation had always been the most peaceful, but now an unpleasant feeling of helplessness, cold sweat my spine intensified the hardship of my situation. I had to pull myself together and overcome this trance quickly. I began to breathe and meditate and, as if by magic, discomfort after a while I got over the anguish and stood up to face what would be my last day on land.
The only thing that was on my mind for weeks was to have the boat ready and ready to sail at 10 am on expected 7 October 2001. Everything else was left over, was secondary, not even paying attention. The degree of concentration was such that my survival spirit required me to examine in detail, any, the slightest. The rest could wait for our return ...? In theory, We had everything planned, or at least we hoped, but if that was not the case, Martha finally would embark Two five patterns and patron to, among all, could solve many adversities acontecieran.
Enumerémoslos: The first one I enlisted my friend Rosa shaped medal Field: and San Judas Tadeo, as the patron of difficult and desperate cases that would ensure our safety at sea. Ann Goulden as it gives us: el Happy Buddha Maitreya Buddha, pattern of happiness in Feng Shui to win our problems, concerns, stress, ira, tensions, About tristeza y negative. San Juan de Dios protect us from the Park Volunteer Fire Adeje we belong. A photo of the day of departure, placed by the partners Carlos Galindo Alayón and Damian, remained since then with the statue of the Patron of Firefighters have on our premises. Still, years later, still there the pattern and photo. Also the mother of my great friend Lluís Vidal gave us the Scapular of Our Lady of Carmen he was carrying to heal from iron deficiency anemia that afflicted him. Merce did not hesitate a moment: the patron saint of sailors would ensure better sailors ashore for her, protecting us from shipwrecks and storms possible. To end the list, Pancho and I were, but in this case we were only patterns… vessel.
To end the list, Pancho and I were, but in this case we were only patterns… vessel
Two years of preparation and now it was time for truth, not falter, make the cut. Being afraid to be cautious; to know conceal, be brave. The last night I did not dare to leave Martha Two alone in the port of Playa San Juan. There was so much that we played: preparation, material and time spent. Out and to the 02.00 in the morning, eight hours before departure, Alejo asked my brother if he could stay on duty and sleep in it. Solicitous as ever, agreed delighted. Back in my apartment, night I gave the last touch to, perhaps, were truly the last. Due to the stress of the last few days I slept soundly for a few hours. At six o'clock the alarm went, I got tired but the excitement of the moment I fully activated. Me Duchy, I dressed in comfortable clothes, I went out and closed the door. Well, actually closed twice. Yes, the first was going with empty hands and mind longer than on land sailing; second, with my hands full: one with a picture of my first teacher, my grandfather Alejo and the other with my feather pillow. Must have a hunch that brought me back. These two last minute additions served as my spiritual and physical support.
I headed to the port of Playa San Juan totally immersed in my scenario, besieged by the deepest feelings of courage and fear
At 07.00 hours, the hallway that leads to my garage made me endless. A cold silence accompanied me; hear my footsteps pounding on the walls, dawn was stretching and I with her. I headed to the port of Playa San Juan totally immersed in my scenario, besieged by the deepest feelings of courage and fear. Similar, I guess, the courage and fear of a bullfighter before getting in the ring; that of a mountaineer before his final ascent to the summit of 8.000 meters; the astronaut in the start time of the countdown. I was fully within my soul and body that stepped firmly, safe and ready to face the elements that once wanted to fuse.
Within half an hour, when I reached the boat, Pancho had awakened my brother, who just before boarding handed him the keys to my flat, my car, my phone and do not know what else; I let go of everything that no longer needed. Our eyes met and it was clear: who does not understand a look not understand a long explanation. An affectionate squeeze worth a thousand words.
Hey Pedro, has been a pleasure to have known ", commented from your jet ski my friend Eduardo Quintana. "Do not look, man reproached me-just saying in the unlikely event that we meet again ... ".
Simply, unforgettable moments were the best expression of a desire for success while hoping for a happy return. Some comments motivated by emotion or stress caused the parting seems somewhat tragicomic. "Hey Pedro, has been a pleasure to have known ", commented from your jet ski my friend Eduardo Quintana. "Do not look, man reproached me-just saying in the unlikely event that we meet again ... ". In my heart I knew that this was a real possibility, hence the feelings of the moment more intense waived. Around 09.00 hours and all the boats were heading to the exit point, to more or less half a mile offshore. Exactly at 10.15 sounded the horn and began rowing regatta and the world's longest.
