Krzysztof Doba. Photo: wikipedia
Aleksander Doba, who rowed from Senegal, West Africa to Brazil in 2010-2011, set off from his home town of Police, north west Poland, on Monday morning.
On Thursday, he will lower his seven-metre vessel 'Olo' into the Atlantic in Lisbon, and begin his latest quest, which he hopes to accomplish within 120 days.
“This is a different expedition, on different waters,” he told Polish Radio of his bid to reach North America.
“Even theoretically it will not be in a straight line,” he said.
Doba plans to sail above the Tropic of Cancer, so as to the make the most of favourable currents.
He is keeping fingers crossed that he will not encounter tropical storms, which have proved a hindrance on previous trips.
Doba's vessel is fitted with solar panels, equipment for desalinating water, food and a small cabin where he can sleep.
'Olo' is also fitted with a GPS navigation device, so he can track his movements.
Prior to Doba, only two other canoeists managed to cross the Atlantic, in 1928 and 1956. However, both men were aided by sails, and they docked on outlying islands, rather than the mainland.
Doba managed his previous trip to Brazil, he lost 14 kg in 14 weeks. (nh)
Source: IAR