When 18 years ago Pedro Sardina suggested I embark on an idea he had called ABC of Nautical, I didn’t hesitate for a second. The first supplement dedicated to the world of sailing was born. It was a challenge, an adventure, but with Pedro’s direction, it was also a guarantee of quality and success.
During all this time, while other adventures appeared and in the same way disappeared in other media, ABC de la Náutica remained alive, growing with information and opinion as flags, being a reference throughout all this time.
Now Pedro Sardina decides of his own free will to say goodbye. I have had the fortune of accompanying him along with other colleagues from the beginning, such as Nicolás Terry or the late Dury Alonso, on this long and exciting path.
Here Crewman18 was born, as a brand and as an opinion column. I have had the honor of not having missed a single copy of the 223 that have been published in ABC de la Náutica; which, by the way, would also serve years later to name first a website, the evolution of my blog, and then the podcast.
During all this time, with more than half a thousand columns and articles published, I have always noticed the affection and maximum respect for my opinions from its director, where he has always given me his space and, above all, freedom of opinion.
I don’t know what the future will hold for us, but from these last lines I want to show Pedro Sardina the utmost respect as a colleague and friend, and that he has given much more to the world of sailing in this country than he has received. I sincerely believe that there are no words or gestures of recognition for everything he has done for Spanish sailing.
Pedro has been critical, and criticism is an intrinsic part of the journalist. Without criticism, there is no journalism. You cannot be a sycophant permanently, which is largely what journalism has become today. Criticism, with respect, must be accepted, even if there are sectors, whether within sailing or from the companies themselves, that want to annihilate it.
I have had two references in the world of journalism and they have marked me throughout my path since my beginnings. On the one hand, the dean of the sports press in Girona, Francesc Sánchez Carcassés, and on the other, Pedro Sardina, the dean of the nautical press in this country. They have listened to me, they have helped me, they have advised me and in the case of Pedro, although at times we had opposing opinions, he has always been understanding, I have felt his love and, above all, his respect.
It is for all this that I have nothing but words of gratitude for who has been my director at ABC de la Náutica, who has never had a no when I proposed topics to him. And if the ABC of Nautics still exists today, it has been thanks to their work and determination, often sailing against all odds.
Thank you for your trust, Perico!
