Yachting Art Magazine

The challenge taken up by Jona and Luka Kobler on their small sailing boat is intertwined with the testimonies of patients suffering from pulmonary hypertension. Two battles fought with the same determination.

Jona and Luka Kobler made history this weekend by setting a new world record for unassisted dinghy sailing. In just over 103 hours, they covered 347 nautical miles, beating the previous record of 335.58 miles aboard their small Bénéteau First 14 SE. It was a feat achieved amid capricious winds and long hours of accumulated fatigue, without stopping or outside assistance.

The sailors had to contend with contrasting weather conditions, alternating between periods of calm that slowed their progress and sustained winds that demanded extreme concentration and endurance. At the end of their journey, the two sailors shared their relief and pride: ‘We had some difficult moments, but also some incredibly beautiful ones. When we crossed the finish line, everything we had given finally made sense,’ they explained.

Behind this achievement was a dedicated team who supported them from afar and on the water, ensuring their safety. The success of the project also provided an opportunity to raise awareness of another kind of battle: that fought by patients with pulmonary hypertension. This little-known disease has non-specific symptoms, which means it is often diagnosed late and can have dramatic consequences if not treated properly.

For these patients, as for sailors, success is sometimes measured in small daily victories. Some, like Iztok Ribnikar, testify to the progress made possible by medical advances: "Thanks to targeted treatments and pulmonary artery dilation, I have regained a quality of life I never thought possible. "

The courage to face the disease is also expressed in the ability to adapt one's lifestyle. Marija Mlakar, who has been living with the disease since childhood, talks about the sacrifices imposed by the disease, but emphasises the hope offered by modern therapies. Others, such as Tone Kordiš, remember the stages of recovery: "Every day after my operation was a new step: when they removed a tube, when I started to move again... And then the day when I was finally able to climb to the top of a hill that I hadn't reached in almost two years. ‘

Success is not limited to a record or a spectacular recovery. For many, it lies in the ability to continue living and enjoying the little pleasures despite the constraints. Ajda Rak confides, ’Being able to climb stairs or ride a horse again, even at my own pace, is my victory. "

Jona and Luka Kobler also experienced that key moment when the decision to go surpassed their doubts. The difficult preparation, demanding training and sometimes harsh weather conditions did not dampen their determination. Their journey is reminiscent of that of patients who, every day, choose not to let themselves be overwhelmed by the fear of their illness.

The significance of this nautical achievement goes beyond sport. It is also a call for vigilance: as specialists explain, early diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension and appropriate treatment are essential to slow the progression of the disease and offer better prospects for patients.

By linking their challenge to this cause, the two sailors have helped raise awareness of this condition and remind us of the importance of solidarity in the face of adversity. Whether it's braving the elements on the water or fighting for your health, collective strength and individual determination remain valuable allies.

From miles sailed across the ocean to steps taken after an operation, courage takes many forms, but always responds to the same need: to move forward, despite the obstacles.