Global Solo Challenge: Nadvorni's Espresso Martini winning cocktail

Espresso Martini - Farr45 © Pavlin Nadvorni

It's likely that Dafydd will slow down a bit as he faces the challenges of the Doldrums and looks for the best route south beyond the Saint Helena high-pressure system.

He will certainly feel a "rubber band effect", as if the time required for his circumnavigation stretches out. However, once he reaches a latitude of about 35 degrees south, he will enter the Southern Oceans. There, he will find himself in the carousel of the southern depressions, with more challenging conditions but allowing him to achieve higher average daily speeds. This will be the time to accumulate miles, preparing for potentially slower days and calm periods as he approaches the final stretch of his journey, returning north in the Atlantic.

From the outset, Dafydd has been very open in describing every aspect of his project, sharing all the steps towards realizing his dream. Even now, as he sails, he continues to send updates and photos from his fantastic boat, Bendigedig. When asked by the organization about his first days at sea, Dafydd recounted:

Pavlin Nadvorni - photo © Pavlin Nadvorni

"Here, in the heart of the Atlantic, everything is going wonderfully well. I am fully enjoying every single moment spent at sea. I've been lucky: the Wind Gods have been favorable to me, which has certainly made things easier. The start of the race is a moment that will remain etched in my mind and heart for a long time. It was incredibly moving to share that first milestone with my family, who were there, near the starting line, on a rib. Of course, when I saw them return to land and I was left alone at sea, I felt a lump in my throat. I know it will be a long time before I can see them again, but I am aware that by realizing my dream, I will also make them happy and proud."

The name of Pavlin's boat hides a rather amusing story and reveals much about the life philosophy of this Bulgarian skipper. His entire project can be likened to a winning cocktail. "Before I bought the boat, it was already named Espresso Martini. So, being the superstitious sailor that I am, I didn't want to change it and asked the previous owner if I could keep the original name. He agreed, as long as I changed the flag, which I already wanted to do."

"The "Espresso Martini" is a cocktail made from vodka, espresso, and other coffee-based liqueurs, and we've prepared it several times onboard. I've always liked this name for the lightness and carefreeness it expresses. The same way, in my opinion, one should face life, accepting our imperfections and recognizing that no one is infallible. The only perfection is found in a higher being, somewhere distant from our world. The boat's name perfectly reflects this philosophy of mine. That's why it was so important for me to keep it."

Espresso Martini is a 1997 Farr 45, born from the genius of Bruce Farr, a New Zealand naval architect who left an indelible mark on the sailing world. Built by Carroll Marine in the United States, Espresso Martini's design gave it a sturdy and durable structure. Bruce Farr, active for over five decades, innovated yacht design, transitioning from dinghies in the '60s to becoming a global leader in the design of racing and cruising boats. With successes in the America's Cup and the Whitbread Round the World Race, and collaborations with prestigious shipyards like Beneteau and Jeanneau, Farr is a legend in his field, even honored with the Order of the British Empire. Thanks to his innovative design and the CAD technology he embraced from the outset, his designs continue to dominate international sailing events.

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