Vital Alsar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vital Alsar
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|---|---|
| Born |
Vital Alsar Ramírez
August 7, 1933 |
| Died | September 15, 2020 (aged 87) |
| Nationality | Spaniard |
| Occupation | Explorer |
| Years active | 1966 – 2020 |
| Known for | Crossing the Pacific Ocean by raft |
| Spouse(s) | Denise Alsar |
| Children | Denise and Marina |
Vital Alsar Ramírez (born August 7, 1933 – died September 15, 2020) was a brave sailor and scientist from Spain. He was famous for his incredibly long trips across the ocean on rafts and ships. Vital loved nature and the sea his whole life.
During his time in the military in Morocco, Vital Alsar read an exciting book about the Kon-Tiki journey. This was an expedition where Thor Heyerdahl crossed the Pacific Ocean on a balsa wood raft. Reading this story made Vital want to do something similar: sail a very long distance, about 3,770 nautical miles (6,982 km or 4,338 mi).
After his military service, Vital lived in different places like France, Stuttgart, Hamburg, and Canada. In Canada, he met Marc Modena, who became his friend and travel partner on his amazing adventures.
Contents
Vital Alsar's Ocean Expeditions
Crossing the Pacific by Raft
Between 1966 and 1973, Vital Alsar led three big trips across the Pacific Ocean using rafts. These journeys started in Ecuador and aimed for Australia.
His first trip in 1966, on a simple raft called La Pacífica, didn't quite make it. Tiny worms called teredo worms damaged the wood of his raft. After 143 days, the raft began to sink, and Vital was rescued by a German ship.
But Vital didn't give up! In 1970, he tried again with a new raft named La Balsa. This time, he succeeded! He reached Mooloolaba in Australia after 161 days, traveling about 8,565 miles (13,784 km). This trip set a record for the longest raft voyage ever known.
His third journey in 1972 was even bigger, using three rafts! They sailed for 179 days and reached the coast of Ballina, Australia. One of the three rafts had trouble near Australia, but the other two made it. This journey also set a record, traveling about 9,000 miles (14,000 km).
Sailing the Galleon La Marigalante
After his raft adventures, Vital Alsar decided to use bigger ships called galleons. In 1980, he started a project called "Mar, hombre y paz" (Sea, Man, and Peace). For this, he sailed a galleon named La Marigalante around the world. He carried a "trapo blanco" (white rag), which was a symbol of peace.
Final Expedition: El Niño, La Mar y La Paz
Vital Alsar lived in Veracruz, Mexico, and enjoyed time with his grandchildren. He also planned one last big project to connect people around the world through the sea. This project was called El Niño, La Mar y La Paz (The Boy, the Sea, and the Peace).
In 2009, he set sail from Cozumel, a Mexican island. He traveled with a child and thirteen crew members on a trimaran (a boat with three hulls) first named Itzamna, and later called Zamná. They visited many countries, spreading their message of peace.
Awards and Recognition
Vital Alsar received many awards for his amazing life and expeditions. Some of the most important awards came from the Spanish Geographical Society. He also received a special "Golden Dolphin" award from the Adena International (a nature protection society). He shared this award with Philippe Cousteau, a famous ocean explorer.
See also
In Spanish: Vital Alsar para niños
