Veteran crossing the Atlantic... in a barrel

An intrepid pensioner is crossing the Atlantic in a “barrel” – powered only by wind and currents.

Connexion journalist

Published Wednesday 23 January 2019 - 15:00 Modified Wednesday 23 January 2019 - 15:00

Jean-Jacques Savin, 72, from Gironde, launched from the Canary Islands at the end of December and aims to reach the Caribbean by the end of March.

He built the barrel himself out of resin-coated plywood.

The ex-paratrooper took books and materials to write and sculpt to pass the time – and a bottle of Saint-Emilion to celebrate his birthday last month. He has been enjoying good conditions and speeds of 2kph.

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