While for some, the retirement age is synonymous with a well-deserved rest, the French Jean-Jacques Savin, a septuagenarian from Ares in Gironde, seasoned sportsman and keen on adventure has chosen to take up an incredible challenge. , cross the Atlantic in a barrel. This crazy journey, born in Gironde lands in the heart of the Arcachon Basin, is reminiscent of that of Alain Bombard who in 1952 crossed this same ocean after more than 60 days aboard an inflatable raft. Jean-Jacques Savin embarked last December 26 from the island of El Hierro on the Canary archipelago in order to let himself be carried without sail, without paddles, without engine, or rudder, by the only force of the winds and currents to the Caribbean during an expedition that should last about three months. Three months adrift during which the man will not be captain of his boat, but passenger of the ocean ...
The crazy adventure of the “barrel rum route”
Crossing the Atlantic adrift aboard a barrel, here is a summary of this incredible adventure. The barrel designed in epoxy plywood designed to withstand the onslaught of breaking waves (but also orcas) has a semblance of flat to avoid rolling, measures 3 m long, 2,10 wide and in diameter against 1,70, 10 m at the ends for a capacity of 3 m72. Practical, functional and comfortable, it includes a kitchen, a sleeping area, a storage area and a navigation area, not to mention the porthole for observing the fish. The voluntary castaway also has a system allowing him to get fresh air and bathe in the absence of sharks. Modernity requires, the boat is also equipped with electricity. To add a little cheerfulness to this long crossing, the Girondin adventurer has even planned foie gras, a small Sauternes and a good Saint-Emilion to celebrate his XNUMXnd birthday during the crossing.
? Follow the progress of Jean-Jacques' journey on this map.
Ares, where it all began ...
On the edge of the Arcachon basin, Arès is the starting point of this crazy adventure. The barrel was designed on the small shipyard of this Gironde seaside resort and tested for long hours in the waters of the basin.
Nestled between forests and oceans, Arès is a family resort where shallow water and shellfish fishing are the joy of holidaymakers. The more seasoned sportsmen have the possibility of practicing the surf on the side of Cap-Ferret, at the Grand Crohot and the nature lovers a multitude of sporting activities such as hiking or cycling. We go there mainly on sunny days and many tourists are looking for a rental in Arès.
Arès seduces for its heritage, the main curiosities of which are the Saint-Vincent de Paul church, the old train station, the salt meadows nature reserve ... Not far away, you can also find Andernos, another seaside resort and a very pleasant small oyster port from the first fine days. From Andernos, you can reach Arcachon by crossing the basin by the shuttle and have a wonderful day.
Caribbean destination
The point of arrival of the journey remains an uncertainty, because it is linked to the vagaries of winds and currents. The navigator hopes, from a practical point of view to repatriate the barrel, to reach a French island like Guadeloupe or Martinique. The mystery remains intact ...
Portrait of a real adventurer and an extraordinary challenge
Now 72 years old, Jean-Jacques Savin has a background as a military parachutist, private pilot and national park warden in Africa. Second in the French triathlon championships in 2017, he also boasts the ascent of Mont Blanc in 2015, several crossings of the Atlantic by sailboat and various performances in nautical competition.
Like that of Bombard in 1952, this expedition had several scientific goals consisting of dropping beacons from JCOMMOPS (a support center for the in situ observation platforms of the Joint Technical Commission for Oceanography and Maritime Meteorology) in order to to study the currents. The beacons will dive to nearly 1.000 meters deep for five to ten years while bringing up data. The other experience will be to test the feeling of loneliness in a closed environment.
➡️ Find out more on the official website
Jean-Jacques Savin's ocean adventure shows that today's Seniors are not lacking in imagination, resources and courage. Life begins in retirement and long before, thanks to trips (maybe not barrel-rolled) and micro-adventures that open up beautiful horizons! And you, what is the adventure that makes you dream?
