Michal has continually pushed the boundaries of human endurance and spirit. His latest and most remarkable achievement was a solo transatlantic sailing race in which he not only built his own boat but also secured an impressive second-place finish. This feat stands as a testament to his unwavering determination, resilience, and passion for adventure.
Early Love for Water and Adventure
From a young age, Michal displayed a penchant for adventure. At just eight years old, he ventured alone into the forest to spend a night in an old wooden shack, armed with nothing more than matches, a knife, a piece of bread, water, and a blanket. This early display of courage and curiosity set the tone for a life filled with extraordinary pursuits.
His affinity for water began at the age of seven when his parents gifted him an old blue fiberglass kayak. With a cheerful water sprite painted on by his mother to alleviate any fears, Michal felt an immediate connection to the water, feeling safe and content. This led him to take up canoeing competitively. His dedication and hard work paid off when he joined the Czech national team in wildwater canoeing, eventually bringing home a silver medal from the World Championships—a pinnacle of his canoeing career.
Transition to Extreme Sports
After achieving significant success in canoeing, Michal shifted his focus to other extreme sports. He embraced mountaineering, completing expeditions in the Himalayas, including a first ascent on the north face of Changabang (6,864 meters) in India. He also delved into paragliding, participating in one of the world's most extreme races, the Red Bull X-Alps. Not stopping there, he took on triathlons, becoming a multiple-time participant in Ironman competitions.
The Call of the Ocean and Building His Own Boat
Michal's fascination with the ocean and sailing was rekindled as he dreamed of undertaking a significant voyage across the sea—a dream he had harbored since childhood. The opportunity arose during the COVID-19 pandemic when he found himself with an unexpected surplus of free time. Seizing the moment, he decided to build his own boat, a task that required immense patience and dedication.
Over ten months, Michal constructed a 5.8-meter plywood yacht, a Class Globe 5.80, designed explicitly for solo transatlantic racing. This endeavor was part of the Globe 5.80 Transat 2021, a race that begins in Marina de Lagos, Portugal, with the first leg to the Canary Islands (approximately 600 nautical miles), and the second leg across the Atlantic to Antigua in the Caribbean (approximately 3,000 nautical miles).
The Solo Atlantic Crossing
In September 2021, Michal embarked on this monumental journey. Despite initial concerns about solitude, he found the experience to be profoundly cleansing and introspective. "I was worried about how I would handle the solitude, but it turned out to be an incredible experience—a purification and self-discovery," he reflected.
The voyage was far from easy. Michal faced waves exceeding five meters, but the stability and safety of his self-built boat gave him confidence. "Despite the small dimensions, the boat is very stable and truly safe. I wasn't afraid of capsizing," he noted. He also dealt with significant challenges, including a malfunctioning autopilot, which forced him to steer manually for the last five days without sleep. Yet, he pressed on.
Throughout the 26-day journey, covering over 3,200 nautical miles, Michal battled not just the physical demands of solo sailing but also the psychological hurdles. To cope, he embraced the silence, sang to himself, and listened to music when times were tough. Each day brought something new, turning the voyage into an unforgettable story of perseverance.
Crossing the Finish Line and Achieving Second Place
Reaching the finish line was a monumental victory. Michal completed the race in 26 days, 12 hours, 19 minutes, and 55 seconds, arriving in Antigua only 24 nautical miles behind the first-place finisher. His achievement is even more remarkable considering he had no prior experience building a vessel of this magnitude.
"Crossing the finish line was the greatest victory for all of us. I was immensely happy and did not see second place as a disappointment," Michal shared. "I gave it my all, and despite the challenges, especially the autopilot failure, I managed to finish strong. Anyone who completes such a race is a winner."
At the finish, exhausted yet elated, Michal had simple wishes: "I wish for nothing more than a cold beer and a hose with water to wash myself," he said from his boat, where he had to spend another night before being allowed ashore due to port office hours. His supplies had dwindled to just two liters of water and two instant meals.
Looking Ahead: Future Plans
Michal's journey across the Atlantic is not just a personal triumph but also an inspiration to adventurers worldwide. His immediate plans include spending time with his family, whom he considers his greatest project. As for future racing endeavors, he hints at participating in the second edition of the transatlantic race with a new boat in the coming autumn.
A Life Dedicated to Adventure
Michal Krysta's life is a tapestry of extraordinary feats across various extreme sports disciplines. From kayaking and mountaineering to paragliding and solo ocean racing, his pursuits are unified by a deep respect for nature and an insatiable desire to push his limits. He approaches each challenge not as an adrenaline-fueled risk but as an opportunity to engage with the natural world meaningfully.
"Fear is something I try to eliminate from my life," Michal explains. "I have great respect for nature, which is essential, but I try to avoid fear. If nature offers us mountains, wild rivers, blue skies, or the endless ocean, it's still a playground for the little boy inside me where I feel very good and safe."
Conclusion
Michal Krysta's solo Atlantic crossing stands as a testament to human determination, skill, and the spirit of adventure. His story resonates with anyone who dares to dream and seeks to turn those dreams into reality. As he continues to pursue new challenges, one thing remains clear: Michal's journey is far from over, and the world can expect to hear much more from this extraordinary Czech adventurer.
Michal Krysta began his journey with a kayak, earning a silver medal in wildwater canoeing at the World Championships. He then turned to mountaineering, achieving a first ascent on the north face of Changabang in India. Paragliding followed, including participation in the extreme Red Bull X-Alps race. Triathlons and multiple Ironman competitions came next. Finally, he returned to sailing, where he completed the first edition of the solo Globe 5.80 Transat race, finishing second in the Caribbean.