Published on: 26/10/2017 Updated on: 20/02/2025
From Andrea Pendibene's logbook .
"I feel like leaving, leaving the stern tops and facing this journey . I fought with all of myself to be here, to represent the Navy and Italy in this difficult competition.
The stomach has been closing little by little for a week, last night I didn't eat and didn't close my eyes so much was the agitation....
In the eyes at the docks you can see terror of family members, friends of girlfriends because we all know the weather is not good, then the departure with 80 boats , helicopters, the press, journalists will be hell, and coming back for a break due to a distraction is a normal thing on these occasions.
I am serene but still with a closed stomach and many thoughts because once we pass unscathed from the start where there will be fog and poor visibility there is the whole of Biscay to cross, then Cape Finisterre with its merchant traffic, trade winds, large Spanish fishing boats and the Portuguese coast Vigo, Lisbon, Porto and Trafalgar which has linked its name to the naval battle made famous by the exploits of Nelson Admiral of the British Naval Fleet where though he won he found death one of the most feared naval strategists in history
Finisterre will be tough, it needs no introduction few are the sailors who have sailed these parts where freezing cold, strong wind and huge waves meet this legendary cape.
I keep telling myself that we have done it all, we have sailed little but we have done many hours in the yard, the boat is well prepared, I am calm even though I believe that on these occasions tranquility is not at home, impossible to get used to these emotions of true sailors when you let go of the stern lines along with all the ties with the mainland affections, family, loves, memories...the mind clears, the docks empty and they call you for the tow from that moment we are alone me and Pegasus.
It is said that history must teach us not to do the usual crap, two years ago La Coruna and Finisterre prevented me from passing maybe they were right and the law of the sea took away my mast but it allowed me to bring Pegasus and my hide back to land becoming a more solid sailor, with a lot of experience and even more determination.
I landed in Grand Canaria, a great goal achieved but now comes the "big one" 3200miles (about 6500km)of ocean from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean, hoping the hurricanes will let us pass...
Pegaso is there and with him all the Navy with the arsenal facilities that have hosted him in these 4 years: Naples, Cagliari, La Spezia but also the bases of the Capitanerie of Genoa, Fiumicino, Sanremo without forgetting the Competitive Sports Center of Rome and MarisportVela that coordinates us along with other Olympic athletes
The technical partners and all the friends who have given their support be it a handshake, a like on facebook, a phone call...are fundamental to complete this great Italian Team that with inferior means compensates with a lot of heart, commitment, professionalism and a fierce determination to believe in it
Maximum concentration on the preparation of the boat, the stage stop will be dedicated to the total control of Pegasus, equipment, facilities and the study of the race strategy in order to arrive prepared to face with humility and prudence the 25 days of ocean that separate us from the American continent."
LINK DROPBOX: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/u6655ty2764rfa6/AABHR9D4rpYnjO-Pa56MKwzLa?dl=0
CREDIT PHOTO& VIDEO : DEPARTURE& ARRIVAL CHRISTOPHE BRESCHI / ON BOARD ANDREA PENDIBENE
