Man on the River is a project carried out by Giacomo De Stefano, traveler and environmentalist. It involved covering more than 5,200 km from London to Istanbul exclusively by rowing and sailing on a small wooden boat called Clodia, navigating European rivers and canals such as the Thames, the Rhine, and especially the Danube. The goal was to raise awareness about the value of rivers as central elements of history, culture, and the environment, promote slow and sustainable tourism, and bring humanity back into direct contact with nature and water, rediscovering the “fair means” approach. This blog documents all phases of the journey, from the boat’s construction to the arrival in Istanbul.
The Journey
- Welcome aboard!
Dear friends, Weigh anchor! Well… we actually started the journey almost 8 months ago. So many emails, meetings, brain storming sessions, miles and sleepless nights. And how many wonderful people helping us. And how many “no, thank you’s”. This journey is a very simple one. Yet behind the simplicity are many complex things happening. You’ll… Read more: Welcome aboard! - The “Clodia” Christened by art: thank you Mario
Last night, the Ness Yawl has been Christened by the art of Mario Brunello, who delighted the audience by playing a Bach’s Suite for cello, aboard the boat. We proudly announce the new Ness Yawl name: “Clodia”, from the latin name of Chioggia, a city near Venice, with whom Giacomo feels a special kinship. The… Read more: The “Clodia” Christened by art: thank you Mario - We’re almost ready!
There is still some work to be done. Then Clodia will be ready to leave Venice. After three months spent in Lago Art Waiting Room, in the last two weeks we have been working in the open air, where we have had to contend with rain and snow. But at last spring has sprung! Canottieri… Read more: We’re almost ready! - The boat has left Venice!
It almost seems unreal. Up until the last moment, there were still holes to drill and screws to tighten. Then, a couple of hours later than originally planned, we were off. After a few strokes of the oars, a light breeze started up: Jacopo and Giorgio, the canoe instructor and our third crew member, were… Read more: The boat has left Venice! - The time has come
It’s nearly time for the off! We are at Wargrave, close to Henley on Thames, the temple of rowing! We are receiving wonderful hospitality. The Bushnell Marina is putting us up on the Thames in an enchanting setting: lots of boats and all the right tools for those last-minute jobs on the boat (which got… Read more: The time has come