Please select your home edition
Edition
A+T Instruments 2024 Leaderboard

Juan Merediz talks about why he decided to take on the Global Solo Challenge

by Juan Carlos Coco 14 Jan 2023 15:42 GMT
Juan Merediz © Juan Merediz

Juan is a sailor who as a child dreamt of the sea and of discovering what was beyond the horizon.

We interview Juan Merediz, Spanish participant in the Global Solo Challenge. An experienced navigator who is now preparing for the challenge of sailing beyond the horizon and returning to the starting point, A Coruna, after having circumnavigated the globe. From Valencia he takes on this new project filled with enthusiasm and prepared to squeeze everything he can out of his Pogo 40S with the firm intention of winning the first edition of the GSC.

Good evening Juan, how would you explain who Juan Merediz is to someone who doesn't know you and doesn't sail?

A sailor. A sailor who has been dreaming of sailing around the world since he was a boy. I saw the sea from my window in Gijón and since I was young I have always wanted to find out what is beyond the horizon, and this has always been my motivation.

My passion for the sea got me involved in sailing, first Optimists and Snipes, then came my first solo transfer: at the time French cruising boats were sold in Asturias and I offered to transfer them, because all I wanted was to be at sea.

As you told us in your previous interview, you have taken part in important ocean races, how were those first experiences?

At the age of 15, inspired by a magazine found by chance, I prepared my first presentation to find sponsors and participate in the Mini Transat, which took me 7 years. When I set my mind on something there is no going back!

Of all the regattas I have taken part in, some really stand out, like the Mini Transat in 95 or the Barcelona World Race in 2010; however, others that may have been less prominent were absolutely incredible, like the Transgascogne, in which I sailed marvellously having really very little experience, or the Figaro, my greatest regatta.

My memories of my first sailing experiences come with memories of the first mistakes I made and the lessons I learned. What do you remember of your first experiences?

I remember the first time a sailed single-handed: a First 25, with no autopilot, 240 miles, and I remember all my errors, the first as soon as I'd set off. Today I still make mistakes, and I love it. I love studying them, assessing them, and learning, constantly learning. Nothing can teach you like the sea; sailing, forgetting about the titles and sailing. The next mile is the most difficult, always the next one, so what you have to do is prepare for the next mile and take on the one after that. Sailing with different companions is also very useful; each one of them will teach you something different.

Sailing in Spain seems to be quite difficult. What happened with the Vendée Globe in 2012?

After the Figaro I got into advanced negotiations with the sponsors to take part in the BOC Challenge; however, for institutional reasons and due to political changes in the end nothing happened. I'd always dreamt of the Vendée, and after the BWR in 2010 I got an opportunity with a sponsor; there was a story to tell, it made sense, but there were no tax relief and no company stepped in, which is a problem we have in Spain, we stop telling the story, and I missed that opportunity. It was hard at the time because I honestly thought I had a good chance.

One of the problems we have in Spain is that when you knock at their door, most companies don't even take the time to listen to what you have to say, something that doesn't happen in other countries, like France for example. They don't appreciate the platform that sponsoring a sailing project can offer.

What led you to the GSC?

I found out about this regatta while working as a captain. Initially, I didn't quite get it, but then I fell in love with the idea and we gave it everything. I couldn't get a boat, but despite this, thanks to my friends, family, and the previous owner we put everything, absolutely everything, into this project.

In Spain people automatically assume that a boat is for rich people, the GSC is an opportunity to change this idea; as the regatta starts in A Coruna, there should be lots of Spanish skippers taking part, but no, there are only two; this regatta seems to try to democratise the field. We need to plant the seed and set precedents, this is another reason why this project is so important; loads of people in Spain are mad about the sea and my project can help the future of the next generation of sailors.

Continue reading the full article here...

Related Articles

Ronnie Simpson returns to Global Solo Challenge
Already rounding all three of the Great Capes will aid him in 2027-2028 event We are incredibly pleased to welcome back Ronnie Simpson as an entrant in the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028. His participation in the 2023-2024 edition left an indelible mark on the event and its global following. Posted on 19 Feb
Pablo Gonzalez Parodi enters Global Solo Challenge
A highly experienced sailor with over 100,000 nautical miles under his belt The Global Solo Challenge continues to attract passionate and determined sailors from around the world, and we are thrilled to welcome our 14th entrant, Pablo Gonzalez Parodi. Posted on 11 Feb
Ivan Dimov returns to the Global Solo Challenge
Originally from Bulgaria and now residing in Tuscany, he epitomizes the spirit of the race As new incredible speed records are being set at the Vendée Globe on the latest generation foiling IMOCAs, non-elite sailors and those unable to assemble massive budgets inevitably seek alternatives. Posted on 13 Jan
Dealtry Pickford signs up for the GSC 2027-2028
Global Solo Challenge is thrilled to welcome the Cape Town sailor The Global Solo Challenge is thrilled to welcome Cape Town sailor Dealtry Pickford to the lineup for the 2027-2028 edition. Posted on 24 Dec 2024
Sylvain Canet enters the Global Solo Challenge
He discovered his love for the sea and sailing as a young boy Following Italian skipper Marcello Queirolo's recent entry, Sylvain, a seasoned sailor with over 50 years of experience, brings his lifelong passion and expertise to the event. Posted on 20 Dec 2024
Marcello Queirolo enters the Global Solo Challenge
It is proving to be one of the most accessible and internationally diverse solo sailing events It's been an incredibly busy time behind the scenes at the Global Solo Challenge (GSC), as the event continues to gain remarkable momentum. Posted on 19 Dec 2024
Sam Glover enters the Global Solo Challenge
His entry marks an important moment in a personal journey to push his limits We are thrilled to announce the entry of British sailor Sam Glover into the Global Solo Challenge 2027-2028. Sam, who lives and works in London, joins the list of skippers officially entered in the next exciting edition. Posted on 12 Sep 2024
Fraser Flight enters the Global Solo Challenge
Bringing a wealth of knowledge and a strong determination to the race We're excited to announce that Fraser Flight, an experienced professional mariner, has officially joined the lineup for the Global Solo Challenge (GSC) 2027-2028, becoming the 8th confirmed participant in the second edition of the event. Posted on 28 Aug 2024
GSC 2027 Presentation and Press Conference
At the Real Club Náutico de Vigo on Tuesday I am excited to invite you to the Real Club Náutico de Vigo for the presentation of the 2027-2028 edition of the Global Solo Challenge from its new host city of Vigo and its new host port and partner, the Real Club Náutico de Vigo. Posted on 22 Jul 2024
Louis Robein's humble triumph
The inspiring and unstoppable sailor wins hearts in the Global Solo Challenge When Louis Robein sailed into A Coruna, clean-shaven and relaxed, it was easy to mistake him for a sailor returning from a gentle Sunday sail. Posted on 6 Jul 2024