A modern Odyssey in the Aegean Sea - 540nm in a Tornado
by Mario Schoby on 8 Jul 2011
Iordanis Paschalides and Kostas Trigonis, challenged their stamina managing to complete an unprecedented sea marathon Samo Vidic for Red Bull Content Pool
Just like the first sailors in ancient history, the Tornado sailing athletes, Iordanis Paschalides and Kostas Trigonis, challenged their stamina managing to complete an unprecedented sea marathon. Navigating non-stop for 72 hours in the Aegean Archipelagos, using the stars as guides, a compass and the lighthouses characteristics, they managed to reach Chania Wednesday afternoon.
Sailing from Thessaloniki on July 4th, the two athletes covered, against all odds, the distance of 540 nautical miles. Not employing any modern technology navigation systems, the two athletes witnessed the unique experience of sailing like the first sailors in history observing the northern lights (Aurora Borealis), just as the great Greek philosopher Aristotle had witnessed thousands of years ago.
The conditions proved to be extremely difficult, since their worst fear, complete lack of wind, haunted their journey. During the three days and three nights of their adventure, the athletes were faced with the challenge to constantly revise their route, chasing the wind, with an average speed of only 7.5 nautical miles per hour. 'We wouldn’t give up in any case. We had made this promise to ourselves', Trigonis said.
The 2010 silver World Sailing Champions managed to overcome all adversities counting on their experience and technique, demonstrating high endurance and persistence. Their mind was set to reaching their destination. The tornado catamaran of Paschalides/Trigonis reached the final destination at the old town of Chania, Wednesday afternoon. 'We are very proud and happy. Everybody knows that in Greece we are going through a critical phase in history. What we realized is that anything is possible, as long as you stay focused and try hard.'
