As he announced during the Venice Boat Show, Dan Lenard, co-founder of Studio Nuvolari Lenard, is taking on a Guinness World Record level challenge. On 14 June, the famous superyacht designer will depart from Dubrovnik, Croatia, and sail in solitary for seven days on board an Olympic Laser, a sailing vessel only 4.21 metres long with a beam of 1.37 metres. This is an endeavour that nobody has ever managed until now, mostly due to the small size of the vessel.

Lenard will need to sail continuously, without ever dropping anchor, until he reaches his objective. Another element of difficulty is in the fact that he can never leave the vessel, nor can he have assistance. He will have the supplies he needs for the entire voyage on board. His objective is to double the current record, travelling 500 nautical miles. Daily Nautica will share daily updates on this surprising voyage.

PLASTIC FREE SAILING

This extreme endeavour is part of the initiative to promote the Vela Code project, a foundation created by Dan Lenard aimed at raising awareness throughout the entire boating sector, for adopting more responsible behaviour in choosing what to bring on board. Lenard’s adventure will be emission free and free from single use plastics. Water will not be carried in plastic bottles, creeating no plastic waste during the trip.

VELA CODE’S MISSION

As demonstrated by this initiative, Vela Code is not just a campaign to reduce the use of single use plastics: it is an invitation for the entire boating industry and beyond, to change their habits. The project stems from a previous Atlantic crossing completed by Lenard six years ago, with no engine, GPS or plastic, to demonstrate that another way to sail is possible.  According to Dan Lenard, promoting the concept of a responsible larder, meaning what is brought on board a ship, could be a good way to convince individuals to create a more sustainable lifestyle.

By Valerio Caccavale