Record attempt with ILCA 7: Superyacht designer wants to sail 500 nautical miles non-stop

Even in the maritime industry, which is characterised by passion, hobby and profession do not have to be congruent. Our series "What does the industry do" brought a number of defectors both to Engine- as well as on Sailing side to light. As head designer at Nuvolari Lenard, Dan Lenard shapes superyachts, especially those with engines. He also plays a key role in the exterior of "Black Pearl" has influenced.

In his private life, he primarily sails and praises wind-powered locomotion. The designer with Slovenian roots is also the founder of the Vela Code Foundation, which campaigns for clean oceans and environmentally friendly sailing. In 2019, Lenard crossed the Atlantic solo in a self-designed carbon sports boat made from recycled components to raise awareness of marine pollution. He managed the ten metres for 43 days without GPS, autopilot or motor. His mission: "To bring the beauty of pure sailing to the outside world".

"Vela 500 Miles": Seven days in the ILCA 7

Dan Lenard is now preparing for his second attempt to cover 500 nautical miles in a row in the ILCA 7, almost doubling the existing record of 283 nautical miles. Last summer, he attempted to set the Guinness World Record for the longest unassisted solo non-stop voyage in a dinghy in the ILCA 7, but had to abort. Preparations are being made under the supervision of Slovenian Finn Olympian Vasilij Zbogar. Lenard will sleep on board and carry all the necessary supplies packed and secured in advance.

His extreme voyage "Vela 500 Miles" is expected to last seven days and is planned for the second half of June 2025, depending on weather conditions. The journey will be available to follow online in real time via an on-board transmitter, with live updates, direct media contributions from Lenard and live interviews as he sails. Boaters in the central Adriatic region are encouraged to meet and follow him along the Dalmatian coast during his week-long voyage.

The urgency of ocean protection

In line with the Vela Code principles, Lenards will be completely emission-free and free of single-use plastic packaging. No plastic bottled water will be carried to ensure zero plastic waste throughout the journey. His initiative emphasises the urgent need to restore the planet's drastically reduced CO₂ absorption capacity. According to Lenard, reducing carbon emissions is only part of the solution. Plastic pollution, which weakens the ocean's ability to absorb CO₂ and disrupts the planet's primary oxygen production, must be tackled immediately. Without urgent action to curb plastic pollution, current efforts to reduce emissions could ultimately be in vain.

Dan Lenard thinks Vela Code big

Vela Code's next project is the refit of the VO70 "Telefonica Black", which is already well underway. The refit will follow Vela Code's basic principle of recycling, while all design and modification decisions will of course be made by Dan Lenard himself. The official announcement of the "Vela 500 Miles" will take place at the Venice Boat Show 2025. There, Dan Lenard will also present his book about his solo transatlantic crossing.