Jean-Jacques Savin French traveler Date of Birth: 01.01.1947 Country: France

1. French Adventurer Embarks on Solo Atlantic Barrel Voyage
2. Barrel Design and Features
3. Preparations and Departure
4. Tracking and Communication
5. Destination and Arrival

French Adventurer Embarks on Solo Atlantic Barrel Voyage

Jean-Jacques Savin, a retired French adventurer, set sail from the Canary Islands in a specially constructed orange barrel, hoping to cross the Atlantic Ocean and reach the Caribbean Sea. The 71-year-old dubbed his vessel a "capsule" and equipped it with a bottle of wine and foie gras to celebrate his 72nd birthday along the way.

Barrel Design and Features

Savin's capsule is made of plywood coated with polymer and designed to protect its sole passenger from both the elements and potential orca attacks. The barrel measures three meters in length, two meters in diameter, and weighs approximately 450 kilograms. The living space within the barrel is around six square meters, providing enough room for cooking, sleeping, and storing provisions.

Preparations and Departure

Savin, a former paratrooper and park ranger, documented his adventure on Facebook, sharing a photo taken from inside the barrel and assuring his followers that he was "doing well." The Facebook page describes Savin as an "experienced sportsman and adventurer." He had previously crossed the Atlantic four times on a sailboat through crowdfunding.

Tracking and Communication

Throughout the voyage, Savin deployed beacons to aid international marine observatories in studying ocean currents. Solar panels allowed him to maintain communication and track his progress via GPS.

Destination and Arrival

Initially, Savin stated that he was unsure where his journey would end, but he expressed a preference for French islands like Martinique or Guadeloupe to avoid excessive paperwork. He eventually reached the Caribbean Sea after 122 days and nine hours.

Currently drifting towards Florida, Savin plans to find a cargo ship that can accommodate his barrel and transport it to Martinique. There, he will be reunited with his friends and wife. Despite the success of his barrel adventure, the adrenaline-seeking Savin plans to swim across the English Channel in the future.