Yves Kinard embarks on historic sea voyage
French naval architect and former president of Meimer Yves Kinard left St. Martin Thursday morning , May 15th 2008, bound for Bermuda and the Azores in the first stage of a quest to become he first person since 1936 to cross the Atlantic in the smallest diesel-powered vessel. Kinard designed and built his i.50-metre (21-foot) Mayrik P214 prototype mini-trawler Spirit of Arielle especially for the attempt, finally launching it last year for testing. The 180,000-euro project has been beset by delays because of lack of financing and sponsorship.
Frenchman Marin Marie made he crossing from New York to Le Havre in a 43-foot diesel-powered trawler called Arielle in 19 days in 1936, but also using sail power. A crowd turned out on the Marigot waterfront yesterday to wish Kinard and his sole companion Dr. Patrick Brachet bon voyage for the 3,800-mile trip.
If all goes well, the crew expects to arrive in Saint Martin de Re, close to La Rochelle in France, in mid-June, and plans to show the trawler at the Grand Pavois Boat Show there in September. Kinard hopes to set a benchmark for economy in the amount of fuel used for the trip, consuming 3.2 liters an hour from a capacity of 1,300 liters. A vessel this size normally has a range of 600 nautical miles. Also on board is more than 300 liters of drinking water.
Among those wishing the crew well were artist Antoine Chapon, who donated a painting for the boat's interior, while US Imports donated 600 euros worth of food for the voyage.
The tiny vessel has the conveniences of a much larger vessel, with toilet and shower, bunks to sleep two, a kitchen with cooker and sink, dining room, and navigation station.
There is, of course, a commercial objective behind Kinard's adventure, as he hopes to attract orders for his design. "I'm confident I can construct and sell mine at a lower price, but with the same amenities as more expensive ones," he said last year. "I believe there's room for a boatyard and export business in St. Martin for my designs."
More information about the trawler and the voyage can be found on www.mayrik.com.
