The Independent, 01 June 2010
Two Spaniards who set sail around the world four years ago did not set out to break any world records. Aside from their passion for the sea and being in search of adventure, theirs is a humble voyage – they set out to promote peace and multiculturalism.
Juan Carlos Armas Gutierrez, a mechanic, and Juan Manuel de Leon Tower, a fisherman, are currently in Malta – one of their last few stops in the final phase of their tour.
Speaking to The Malta Independent on their sailing boat, the Itaparica, which is berthed at the Msida Yacht Marina, the men explained that the aim of their voyage was to achieve an understanding of different religions, cultures and civilisations.
At the same time, they wanted to be ambassadors of their hometown, Puerto de la Cruz, situated on the north western coast of Tenerife, which forms part of the Canary Islands off the Moroccan coast.
They have been trying to promote peace, understanding and tolerance between different people and cultures, the better use of resources, as well as the fight against hunger, poverty, injustice and inequality.
Mr Armas Gutierrez explained that in certain places they visited people who were poor, but happy.
“We met people who live off agriculture and fishing, and the global crisis isn’t really affecting them. People who live a fast life, people who live in cities would certainly be a lot happier if they can appreciate nature.
“Tenerife is at the cross-roads of three continents. We have travelled to 40 countries across the five continents, and we crossed the Pacific, the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean.”
Their voyage has not been an uninterrupted one; they normally travel for one to two months, leave their ship in a safe port and travel back to Tenerife by plane, before carrying on with their journey a few months later. Their sponsors include their local council and the regional government and King Juan Carlos, who has promised to meet them, had written to them, saying he supports their project.
Speaking about one of the memorable events of their voyage, the Spaniards recalled having rescued two people whose jet ski broke down 20 miles off the coast of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean.
Asked about the most beautiful place they visited, they agreed that San Blas Islands, an archipelago of 365 islands off the north coast of Isthmus, east of the Panama Canal, was a very special place.
Going to talk about their toughest sailing trip, they recalled a storm in the Pacific Ocean, when they had to battle with six- to seven-metre waves and wind blowing at 90 kilometres per hour.
They explained they sometimes get very lonely when travelling at sea, so they always make sure they have a stock of good books to keep them company.
The men plan to document their four-year voyage both in print and audiovisual form when they return to Tenerife.
What did they have to say about the Maltese?
“Oh they have a very big heart, and Malta is a beautiful island,” said Mr de Leon Tower.
http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=106967
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