Frenchman sets sail across Atlantic in a barrel!

Oh my this man has too much time on his hands. Drifting along like a champagne cork!

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Frenchman, 71, sets sail across Atlantic - in a barrel https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/12/27/frenchman-71-sets-sail-across-atlantic-barrel/

 

Surely it gets unbearably hot in there, considering the Caribbean is the destination he hopes for. The Killer Whale I doubt will be among his main problems.

 

It's probably more about human endurance than boating. Least he probably get to be in the Guinness World Records, if succeeded..

 

Presumably the section in the water will temper the temperature. I was more wondering about getting fresh air in rough seas as opening a porthole might not be wise, though I am sure this has been considered. Perhaps he has some clever pipe work.

To be stuck in this in 3m long barrel in stormy seas (presumably he can strap himself down) for hours and hours on end would be unimaginably uncomfortable. Perhaps he can drop the buoyancy by flooding some tanks so he is more riding in the waves than partly on top.

Each to their own - but as I tell my kids, just because you can, does not mean you should. For his sake I do hope it is successful for him, but part of me hopes the publicity does not inspire more people to take the risk who have less experience in small boats and less experience in stressful situations.

 

He'll probably be rescued, it'd be like being a cat in a spin dryer.

 

The waterline is a good indication of their disregard for the laws of physics. However, it gives them more hull area to sell to sponsors.

 

over Niagara as an encore

 

Lots of rum sponsors in the Caribbean Gonzo. I wonder what inspired the choice of a barrel. The only thing that comes to mind is the barrel scene in the Hobbit.

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The main sponsor is a barrel builder, "Tonnellerie Boutes" , a very serious company :
Boutes Cooperage - Production of barrels, casks, vats, tanks and staves made of French oak from mature forests http://www.boutes.com/en/des-hommes/esprit-famille/



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Well there you have it: Maker of barrels for wines & spirits. Something tells me the skipper will be having a rolling good time.

 

Here more on the project, inc. the barrel features, drawing and layout :
Traversée de l'atlantique en tonneau https://fr.ulule.com/traversee-de-latlantique/?fbclid=IwAR3SYWFmIOLWr7zHeHeGb2s8dhgmdhd0jlCzKuNSI67ZLHpChOtLonCc5MI
He has a web site and a Facebook :
Traversée Expérimentale et Scientifique de l'Atlantique en Tonneau | http://www.atlantique-tonneau.com/
TESA : Traversée de l'Atlantique en Tonneau https://m.facebook.com/BOUTESA

 

It doesn't look fun.

Not sure how he would even catch a fish.

They must have it setup to roll, but I can't imagine it would be much fun inside between the humidity and the rolling.

 

It is so high above the water. Wonder why?

 

Fantastic. I see he went with a twin keel. That will give him a flat resting spot during low tide.

If he ever falls out of that barrel he may have a tough time getting back in. A rope ladder off of the stern would do it.

 

looks like a barrel of fun...
for viewers!