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Six years old and from Bermeo, we visit Axpoandi. The well-known and historic cove of this name has looked on unmoved as the inhabitants of this coastal village have learnt to swim between its rocks. Today, Axpoandi gives its name to the twelve metre-yacht belonging to Matxitxako Nautika
The 44-year old from Bermeo, a computer specialist by training, realised some time ago that his destiny awaited him beyond the rocks. After all, the salt of the sea has been in his family since long ago. For example, Grandfather Uriarte, captain in the merchant navy, who started a marine engine factory. His father added to the family history with a cannery and his older brother is a naval engineer. With a family tree like this, it is not surprising that Andoni ended up changing his computer company for Matxitxako Nautika.
It started more than twenty years ago when his middle brother brought a traditional wooden yacht built in 1930 to Bermeo. “At the beginning it all started as a hobby, but gradually the idea began to take shape in my head. When work started on the Marina, I saw the opportunity clearly”. Together with his wife, they requested a berth and bought a more up-to-date vessel. Today, he knows he has benefited from the change. “I prefer the sea to being shut up between four walls. It's even better because you work with people who want to have a good time, who enjoy their leisure time”. And, disappearing into the deep blue sea with only the wind as your ally is “an indescribable feeling”. An experience for which Andoni recommends “you leave the rush behind before going on board. Given the stressful times in which we live today, finding an experience which offers calm … is a rather pleasant feeling”. In Uriarte's opinion it is best to share this pastime with someone. “It is almost obligatory to go in company, you enjoy yourself so much more. Alone is really extreme”.
In spite of the feeling of calm, the sea, a treacherous friend indeed, has also given him more than one fright, “especially at the beginning, when they were less experienced. Once, the wind broke the sail and we were stranded with no means of communication in the middle of the Cantabrian Sea. In the end, we were rescued”. That's why Andoni recommends “never do anything which you are not sure about, anything which you can't control”. In addition, the man from Bermeo underlines the main characteristics needed to sail a yacht, “above all that you enjoy sailing plus a certain amount of skill and foresight to predict the wind and how the boat is affected by the air turbulence”. Otherwise, neither age nor money should prevent you. “We have sailed with 5-year old children and 80-year old pensioners. You just have to enjoy sailing. What's more, it's not as expensive as people think. For 130 Euros per person, you can spend three days and two nights on the high seas”.
Matxitxako Nautika has two star products. In addition to a weekend, you can enjoy a one-day trip around Bermeo, San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, Izaro or Elantxobe. One of Uriarte's favourite routes about which, although he has sailed half-way round the world, when it comes to choosing he has no doubts: there is nowhere like the Basque Coast, and especially the area where we are based. Nevertheless, “the Atlantic coastline is impressive and the Salt Route through the Mediterranean is marvellous”.
They hope to carry on plying the seas for many more years from behind the rudder, and that's why they plan to buy another boat. What's more, this summer or next they plan to set up a sailing school for students aged 10 and up and for dinghy sailing. All sail set.
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