Sergio Davì’s ICE RIB CHALLENGE
A test of perseverance from Palermo to New York
Sailing the Seas, Carried by the Wind of Adventure
Sergio Davì, veteran marine adventurer, took to the waves in an epic quest known as the ICE RIB CHALLENGE—an ocean odyssey which would bring him all the way from Palermo, Italy to New York in the United States. The nearly 7,000-nautical-mile journey was traversed aboard his trusty vessel, the Nautilus Explorer (a Nuova Jolly Prince 38 cc inflatable RIB boat) with the power of two Suzuki DF350A outboard motors, and with no one but himself. Hopscotching along Sicily, the Balearic Islands, Spain, Portugal, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland, and Canada before his final destination, Captain Davì faced perilous situations. At the same time, he dutifully worked to raise awareness with marine environment conservation, received the kindness of those from the different cultures port to port, and literally took the role of an ambassador of peace.
Taking to the Waves
A job to be done in the face of harrowing conditions
Captain Davì departed the comfort of his native Italy on June 21st not just with the spirit of adventure, but with a spirit of good will towards the oceans. The captain took part in the taking of water samples along his route for Italy’s CNR (National Research Council) and IZS Sicily (Experimental Zoo-prophylactic Institute of Sicily) for research integral to knowing the level of microplastic pollution in our oceans.
However, this does not mean his journey would entail simply drifting along the oceans scooping up samples; especially as he came upon Greenland. He described Greenland as being fraught with scenes of reduced visibility due to the weather conditions and an environment in which he was forced to aptly maneuver between icebergs. The adventurer painted a chilling picture of smaller bergs always being nearby and “lethal” if a collision should occur with his RIB, which could result in potentially sinking.
But the danger didn’t stop there as his arrival to Canada was marked by Hurricane Dorian. Praying his boat would make it through unscathed, he secured it to the dock with a startling 12 ropes while he himself took shelter, waiting the storm out. As the hurricane cleared, Captain Davì was able to take to the seas again.
Bridging the gap between cultures
The ICE RIB CHALLENGE was a taxing journey both physically and mentally. However, among his travels to the different countries along the route, he was greeted with nothing but warmth and hospitality which acted as a remedy to him and his vessel.
His boat and its trusty motors were also able to experience some rest and relaxation, receiving maintenance by dedicated Suzuki staff at certain points along the way.
During such time, the captain tended to another responsibility asked of him: acting as an ambassador of peace on behalf of the Peace Run association with the Peace Torch and under the prestigious title of “Torchbearer of the Oceans”.
Thanks to the support of the Suzuki team and everyone else throughout his journey, Captain Davì arrived in New York on September 12th to a warm welcome, as he passed on the torch to its next carrier.
Safe Arrival and a Stronger Bond with Fellow “Shipmates”
Sergio Davì had reached his destination after months at sea, bringing a close to his adventure. However, due to his amazing efforts to pass the torch to the next holder in New York, Peace Run’s continuous effort to inspire peace among nations around the world was able to live on. Captain Davì reflected on the role as being one of enormous satisfaction.
He also commented on the satisfaction he enjoyed thanks to his “shipmates”: the two Suzuki DF350A outboard motors which enabled him to safely arrive at the final destination. Drawing upon previous expeditions in North Cape and Brazil, he hailed them once again as being incredible in terms of their fuel consumption, power, and ability to adapt to any type of sea condition. “I believe that the [DF350A] Suzuki engine at the moment is the best in the world for both mechanical and technical characteristics,” he added—a comment that Suzuki is extremely honored to have received.
His journey now over, Sergio Davì has once again entered his name into the pages of maritime history with this undertaking of monstrous proportions.
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