Nov 12, 2024
The Maxicat Victoria is preparing to face a historic challenge: to break the record of the Discovery Route. With Alex Pella at the helm, this high-speed catamaran aims to cross the Atlantic following the emblematic route traced by Christopher Columbus and his crew over five centuries ago. This journey not only represents a technical and endurance challenge but also an opportunity to relive one of the most important chapters in the history of navigation. At the Marina de Odiel dock, preparations are underway to enable Maxicat Victoria to achieve a feat that demands skill, cutting-edge technology, and the unyielding spirit of adventure that characterizes its crew.
At the Marina de Odiel dock, the Maxicat Victoria catamaran is waiting to undertake the challenge of the "Discovery Route," a journey that recreates the historic route taken by Christopher Columbus and his crew aboard the Santa Maria, the Pinta, and the Niña.
One of the sailors reflects:
"I always say the same thing: those sailors were amazing. With the ships of that time, which were difficult to navigate, they managed to sail against the wind and move toward the unknown. They didn't know what lay ahead; if they would hit a rock, if the sea would end in a waterfall as was believed then... but in the end, they made it to the other side."
The first leg of this journey will take the Maxicat Victoria from Huelva to the island of La Gomera. From there, they will cross the Atlantic to San Salvador in the Bahamas, weather permitting. The departure is expected to be as early as this coming weekend.
"The first step is to find a good wind from here to the Canary Islands. With the established trade wind blowing from the northeast, we hope to complete the first leg in less than 48 hours. For the Atlantic crossing, we will try to find a steady wind to maintain a consistent speed and reduce the distance by taking a more northerly route."
Originally designed by Gilles Ollier in 1999 and built at the French Multiplast shipyards, the Maxicat Victoria, then known as Club Med, was a pioneer in its class and is considered the forerunner of modern high-performance multihulls. Its structure, made of carbon and Nomex, gives it exceptional lightness without compromising strength, qualities that allow it to reach high speeds on the open sea.
This multihull, with a length of 33.5 meters and sail area of up to 990 square meters downwind, was restored and outfitted to take on the Elcano Oceanic Trophy, a westward circumnavigation that emulates the historic feat of Juan Sebastián Elcano. Under the leadership of Alex Pella, Maxicat Victoria aims to set a new record for this route, combining innovation and sustainability by adhering to the zero-emissions and zero-waste regulations of the Trophy.
Maxicat Victoria is fully equipped to ensure self-sufficiency and safety on the ocean for a crew of seven. With advanced safety systems such as life rafts, satellite beacons, and five GPS devices for tracking, the vessel has the necessary support for this journey.
"In case of any eventuality, we have multiple safety systems, such as life rafts, satellite beacons, and five GPS devices for tracking. Each crew member carries a personal beacon in case of a man overboard, so we feel very safe."
Designed for speed and stability, the Maxicat Victoria stands out for:
Throughout the journey, the catamaran will be equipped with a real-time tracking system, providing comparative data on distance and time with the current record holder, the vessel Mapfre, which completed the route in 11 days, 7 hours, and 40 seconds.
The Discovery Route is the third phase of the Victoria Challenge, a project of four voyages that will conclude with a round-the-world trip, expected next year in an estimated time of 100 days. This challenge has already achieved records for the circumnavigation of Menorca and Spain, showcasing Maxicat Victoria’s capacity to take on and surpass significant challenges in the world of sailing.
The Maxicat Victoria’s journey on the Discovery Route is more than a race against time; it is a blend of tribute to the history of navigation and a step forward into the future of modern sailing. With Alex Pella and his team facing the elements and relying on technology and experience, this record attempt is a testament to the evolution of sailing. Whatever the outcome, the Maxicat Victoria and its crew have already captured the attention of enthusiasts and experts alike, who see in this feat an inspiration for future generations of sailors and adventurers.