Each Jubilee Year inspires some to undertake bold and daring adventures. Back in the Jubilee of 1950, Spanish university students propelled their canoes into the sea from the island of Mallorca, with the objective to get to Rome to experience the Jubilee.
This story is being repeated by three Spanish canoeists, 66 years later.
JOSE BELLO
Canoeist
'Since the year 1950, 66 years ago, no one had repeated it and we thought about doing it. It's also a little reminder of the first feat because the journey itself is demanding and a sports challenge for us.'
Carlos García knew the story through the son of one of the canoe pioneers and did not hesitate to propose the same endeavor.
Only the two most adventurous aimed to complete the task: Jose Bello and Alex García. They called the adventure the 'Journey of Fools.' The biggest difficulties they encountered were time and funding.
JOSE BELLO
Canoeist
'We had several days with rough seas, waves of over two meters high and strong headwinds. But hey, they have all been overcome.'
CARLOS GARCÍA ;
Canoeist
'It's a voyage that at sea is simple, but it requires many permissions and you only get a little in return. It needs many organizations, both canoeing associations and local media to carry it out.'
They rowed 1,100 km for 10 intense days. The format was the original: in relays. It was an adventure that could not have been done without the support of a team that consisted of four people and a sailboat.
CARLOS GARCÍA ;
Canoeist ;
'We reached the shore a day ahead of schedule. We hope that it was worth all the effort and that the canoeists from 1950, who are still alive, are proud of this repetition.'
Once they got to Rome, Carlos challenged the Italian canoeists to emulate this
feat, but says he doesn't know if they will dare
because the 'Journey of Fools' is only for the brave.
AQ/MB
RR
-JM
PR
Up:YA
