| In the waters of the Empordà arose one of the outstanding navigators of Catalonia. This year, Gerard Marín circled the world in the second Barcelona World Race.
Gerard Marín seems to be a normal, quiet, and healthy looking young man from Figueres. Yet not everyone is capable of what he has accomplished: competing in one of only 14 teams of two in an around-the-world speed race.
Gerard, established in La Escala, devoted time and effort to achieve the necessary level. Success in the Europe and Mini classes brought him to the front, and he teamed up with French Navigator Ludovic Aglaor for the Barcelona World Race.
How was this experience?
A sailor’s dream, an adventure full of wonderful as well as hard moments.
You were the youngest crewman.
Yes, I was the youngest to finish.
Was it as you had expected?
I had expected it to be tougher, especially on the southern seas. We were lucky with the weather and were able to avoid the most dangerous areas. The Pacific Ocean was rough; we caught four storms from the rear in a row and our boat was skimming along at full speed. The race itself was more interesting during the first part, before we reached Wellington (New Zealand). We had to compete with other vessels in a strategic game, always trying to improve our position.
Why did you have to stop in Wellington?
Our water purifier had problems and we had to repair it. Wellington was the ideal place, as the route took us through the Cook straights anyway. Other crews had more trouble, five had to give up.
And after the stop?
We headed fort Cape Horn at full speed to catch up, but taking care not to wreck the boat. My partner is less impulsive than I and took good care of the boat. It is good to have a more experienced partner when you’re out there.
Did your sponsors give you an added task apart from racing?
Yes, we had to measure the salinity of the water. They were very happy, we brought them data from places that are off the usual shipping routes. I think this was important, as our race wasn’t primarily to win. I was seeking experience, and our eighth place is a good result. I’m glad we were able to contribute to oceanic research.
Is the Empordà a good place to learn sailing?
The Gulf of Roses is one of the best. Winds are good and it is protected from heavy ocean swell. And we have the Tramuntana. Yet conditions were bad when I started. Now we have well-equipped sailing schools. But on the other hand, moorings are very expensive; some cost more than a boat. Many people from afar moor boats here and never use them, so our harbours become parking lots instead of sporting centres.// Jacobo Krauel
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