Marine adventurer Sergio Davi, taking on the ICE RIB CHALLENGE, made an epic quest, sailing almost 7,000 nautical miles from Palermo, Italy, to New York in the United States aboard his inflatable RIB boat, the Nautilus Explorer. Powered by two Suzuki DF350A outboard motors, Davi hopscotched along Sicily, the Balerica Islands, Spain, Portugal, France, the UK, Ireland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Greenland and Canada before reaching his final destination. This trip was not only about the test of skills and endurance but also a part of an action to raise awareness of marine environment conservation.
Throughout the oceanic odyssey, Davi met challenges and danger. Off the coast of Greenland, it was fog and icebergs that could prove lethal if he struck them with his RIB. As he arrived in Canada, Hurricane Dorian struck and he had to secure his craft to the dock with a startling 12 ropes. But along the way he was welcomed with warm hospitality by local people along the route and could rest and relax while receiving maintenance by the dedicated Suzuki staff.
Throughout his journey, the intrepid captain tended to another responsibility, acting as an ambassador of peace on behalf of the Peace Run Association and carrying the Peace Torch as a prestigious “Torchbearer of the Oceans”. Arriving in New York to a warm welcome, Devi passed the torch to its next carrier.
Davi thanked his “shipmates”: the two Suzuki DF350A outboard motors, praising their fuel consumption, power and ability to adapt to any type of sea condition enabling him to safely arrive at the final destination. He said the “DF350A Suzuki engine is the best in the world for both mechanical and technical characteristics.” Suzuki is honored to have received this comment.
Journey Provides Opportunity to Collect Data on Microplastics in Oceans
Davi’s journey was not only a challenge for his skill and the performance of Suzuki’s DF350A outboards, but also an opportunity to gather important data on the impact of microplastics on 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. Smaller than 5mm, microplastics which come from larger plastic litter, represent a major concern for the health of the world’s ecosystems.
