
The Quest to Conquer 50,000 Kilometres Without Engines
The Quest to Conquer 50,000 Kilometres Without Engines
Such a feat is an intense challenge, given the vast and varied landscapes he must conquer: relentless deserts, towering mountains, turbulent seas, and sprawling continents. The complexity lies not only in the sheer distance but also in navigating diverse terrains, unpredictable weather, and logistical hurdles — all without the aid of engines or modern transport technology.
The Quest to Conquer 50,000 Kilometres Without Engines
Yann Busnel's adventurous spirit was fuelled by a life filled with high-stakes challenges. A former military helicopter maintenance operator, first aid instructor, and commando trainer, he spent twelve years honing his resilience in demanding environments. It was during a gruelling military training course that he realised he possessed the strength — both mental and physical — to undertake this ambitious expedition. 'That was when I knew I had the technical skills, the endurance, and above all, the motivation to pursue this goal,' he says. 'For me, it's not just a challenge; it's a mission.'
The Quest to Conquer 50,000 Kilometres Without Engines
His earlier travels included cycling 10,000 kilometres across Africa, paddling and sailing across the Red Sea, and kayaking over 700 kilometres along coastlines and rivers. Traversing the rugged Arabian mountains and crossing the vast, scorching Rub' al Khali desert brought him closer to the realisation of his dream — the realisation that through perseverance, human effort can surpass even the most daunting natural barriers.
The Quest to Conquer 50,000 Kilometres Without Engines
A quick look at the Guinness World Records showed that no one has yet completed such an extensive journey solely through non-motorised means without crossing oceans. While individuals have achieved remarkable feats in long-distance travel, completing the longest continuous land and sea route without crossing an ocean remains unclaimed, making Busnel's endeavour both pioneering and unprecedented.
The Quest to Conquer 50,000 Kilometres Without Engines
Now in Oman, Busnel is preparing for the next phase — finding a modest sailboat capable of crossing the Gulf of Oman to Pakistan. From there, the journey continues eastward through Asia, scaling the challenges of China, Mongolia, and Russia, before embarking across North America — from Alaska through Canada — and finally into South America.
The Quest to Conquer 50,000 Kilometres Without Engines
Throughout this odyssey, Busnel relies solely on traditional modes of travel: riding camels across deserts, cycling through rugged terrains, paddling kayaks, and sailing small, engine-free boats. Each step reflects a profound respect for nature and a commitment to simplicity.
The Quest to Conquer 50,000 Kilometres Without Engines
In an exclusive interview with the Oman Observer, Busnel summed up his relentless passion: 'I am more than willing to surrender everything in pursuit of this. Completing 50,000 kilometres without using an engine is not just a goal — it's a way of life.' His ambition challenges our perceptions of human endurance and opens new horizons for explorers seeking to reconnect with the world's natural landscapes.
The Quest to Conquer 50,000 Kilometres Without Engines
As Busnel's journey unfolds, it captures the imagination of adventurers and environmentalists alike. His feat — still in progress — offers a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to a dream. In a world increasingly driven by technology, his expedition stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the timeless allure of exploration.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Observer
6 days ago
- Observer
The Quest to Conquer 50,000 Kilometres Without Engines
To become the first person to complete the longest journey on Earth without crossing any ocean or using a powerful engine is nothing short of extraordinary. But while the quest may be audacious, Yann Busnel's ambition to traverse from the southernmost tip of Africa to the southernmost point of South America — a staggering 50,000 kilometres — entirely on traditional and human-powered means is slowly becoming a reality. The Quest to Conquer 50,000 Kilometres Without Engines Such a feat is an intense challenge, given the vast and varied landscapes he must conquer: relentless deserts, towering mountains, turbulent seas, and sprawling continents. The complexity lies not only in the sheer distance but also in navigating diverse terrains, unpredictable weather, and logistical hurdles — all without the aid of engines or modern transport technology. The Quest to Conquer 50,000 Kilometres Without Engines Yann Busnel's adventurous spirit was fuelled by a life filled with high-stakes challenges. A former military helicopter maintenance operator, first aid instructor, and commando trainer, he spent twelve years honing his resilience in demanding environments. It was during a gruelling military training course that he realised he possessed the strength — both mental and physical — to undertake this ambitious expedition. 'That was when I knew I had the technical skills, the endurance, and above all, the motivation to pursue this goal,' he says. 'For me, it's not just a challenge; it's a mission.' The Quest to Conquer 50,000 Kilometres Without Engines His earlier travels included cycling 10,000 kilometres across Africa, paddling and sailing across the Red Sea, and kayaking over 700 kilometres along coastlines and rivers. Traversing the rugged Arabian mountains and crossing the vast, scorching Rub' al Khali desert brought him closer to the realisation of his dream — the realisation that through perseverance, human effort can surpass even the most daunting natural barriers. The Quest to Conquer 50,000 Kilometres Without Engines A quick look at the Guinness World Records showed that no one has yet completed such an extensive journey solely through non-motorised means without crossing oceans. While individuals have achieved remarkable feats in long-distance travel, completing the longest continuous land and sea route without crossing an ocean remains unclaimed, making Busnel's endeavour both pioneering and unprecedented. The Quest to Conquer 50,000 Kilometres Without Engines Now in Oman, Busnel is preparing for the next phase — finding a modest sailboat capable of crossing the Gulf of Oman to Pakistan. From there, the journey continues eastward through Asia, scaling the challenges of China, Mongolia, and Russia, before embarking across North America — from Alaska through Canada — and finally into South America. The Quest to Conquer 50,000 Kilometres Without Engines Throughout this odyssey, Busnel relies solely on traditional modes of travel: riding camels across deserts, cycling through rugged terrains, paddling kayaks, and sailing small, engine-free boats. Each step reflects a profound respect for nature and a commitment to simplicity. The Quest to Conquer 50,000 Kilometres Without Engines In an exclusive interview with the Oman Observer, Busnel summed up his relentless passion: 'I am more than willing to surrender everything in pursuit of this. Completing 50,000 kilometres without using an engine is not just a goal — it's a way of life.' His ambition challenges our perceptions of human endurance and opens new horizons for explorers seeking to reconnect with the world's natural landscapes. The Quest to Conquer 50,000 Kilometres Without Engines As Busnel's journey unfolds, it captures the imagination of adventurers and environmentalists alike. His feat — still in progress — offers a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to a dream. In a world increasingly driven by technology, his expedition stands as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the timeless allure of exploration.


Observer
12-07-2025
- Observer
Duqm: A considered pause between capitals
The 1,100-kilometre drive from Muscat to Salalah has become the standard route for those heading to the annual khareef season. But while most drivers push through non-stop to reach Dhofar, the smarter travellers know better. They stop in Duqm. Positioned at the halfway point - 550 kilometres from the capital, 600 from the southern destination - this special economic zone has quietly built the infrastructure that transforms a fuel stop into a proper break. The kind of place where you arrive planning to stay one night and find yourself extending to two. Look at where you can stay and you'll understand what Duqm is really about. Yes, there are the expected four-star hotels for business travellers but it's the Duqm Beach Camp that signals something more interesting. Proper camping - not the rough-it variety - with the kind of thoughtful amenities that let you wake to the sound of waves without sacrificing your morning coffee. The town's ambitions are written in its public spaces. Duqm Park isn't just landscaped, it's designed with the understanding that good public realm creates good public life. The Sai Commercial District hums with an energy that suggests this isn't just another development project but a place where people actually want to linger. Even the inclusion of a bowling alley - sometimes you want to knock down pins after a day of driving. For travellers who judge a destination by its capacity to surprise, Duqm delivers. Izbat Al Maha offers the kind of authentic desert experience that's increasingly rare - Arabic coffee served in settings that feel genuine rather than staged. The newly developed hiking trails show a commitment to the environment that goes beyond development. But it's the day trips that transform a stopover into a base camp. The Rock Garden, with its lunar geology. The Arabian Oryx Reserve where conservation meets spectacular wildlife viewing. The pink lakes of Al Jazir Instagram-ready but genuinely otherworldly. Each excursion returns you to Duqm with the satisfaction of having seen something genuinely special. The khareef season will always be the main event and Salalah will always be the star. But for those who understand that the best journeys are measured not in destinations reached but in discoveries made, Duqm represents something more valuable than a pit stop. It's a proposition that sometimes the most rewarding travel happens when you're not in a hurry to get anywhere else.


Observer
11-07-2025
- Observer
Crafting beauty with Arabic soul
In a land where Arabic hospitality is a cherished tradition and every gathering tells a story, Austrian designer Theresa Lunardon-Monteiro is weaving her European sensibility into Omani spaces, transforming them into soulful sanctuaries that celebrate warmth, connection and beauty. Theresa discovered her passion for design at a young age, fascinated by how a thoughtfully arranged space could shift energy and invite connection. Her travels across Europe, the Middle East and Asia deepened her appreciation for diverse aesthetics, each region adding new layers to her evolving design philosophy. 'Beauty, for me, is not about extravagance - it's about intentionality,' Theresa explains. 'When you design with care, you transform not only the space but also the emotions and experiences of those who gather there. A beautifully set table becomes an invitation to meaningful conversation.' Contemporary Arabic interior design Austrian designer Theresa Lunardon-Monteiro Now based in Muscat, Theresa has found her design philosophy perfectly aligned with the spirit of Arabic hospitality - where welcoming guests with warmth and generosity is woven into daily life. For Omani clients, each table setting begins with deeply understanding the occasion, whether a Majlis gathering, a Ramadhan Iftar, or a family celebration. Arabic coffee cups, ornate trays and other traditional touches anchor each design, reimagined in contemporary ways to balance elegance and practicality. 'A thoughtfully chosen vase can evoke memories, a candle can transform an entire evening,' she says. 'It's these small, intentional details that elevate daily rituals and make guests feel truly valued.' One of Theresa's standout projects in Oman involved transforming a boat into a serene sanctuary for tourists, infused with authentic Omani accents. Palm leaf placemats, woven baskets, traditional mandoos boxes and handcrafted details all came together to reflect Oman's rich artisanal traditions and deep Arabic storytelling heritage. A small porcelain cup placed on a plate echoing the Arabian tradition of hospitality. Austrian designer Theresa Lunardon-Monteiro of Studio Omana Through Studio Omana, Theresa actively collaborates with local artisans, sourcing and co-creating pieces that infuse each project with authenticity. 'Whenever a project calls for the soul of Oman, I turn to local markets and the skilled hands of craftspeople,' she says. 'Each piece is more than just décor - it carries stories and connects people to the land and its culture.' For Theresa, an elegant and memorable table setting rests on three pillars: harmony, storytelling and detail. 'A well-set table should mirror the personality of the host and the essence of the occasion,' she explains. 'I always start with a grounding element - such as a handmade tablecloth or beautiful placemats - then layer in textures, colours and natural materials.' Thoughtful accents like personalised place cards, seasonal ingredients and family heirlooms add layers of meaning and warmth. Traditional table décor Designer Theresa Lunardon-Monteiro of Studio Omana showcases her work Theresa has observed a renewed pride in regional craftsmanship and a growing appetite for design that prioritises authenticity and sustainability. 'People are moving away from mass-produced items and are seeking décor with soul and a story,' she notes. Looking ahead, Studio Omana aims to preserve its intimate, boutique approach while expanding its reach throughout the Middle East and beyond. 'Ultimately, Studio Omana is about much more than objects; it's about crafting moments of connection, beauty and deep cultural resonance,' Theresa says. Her journey began with a simple desire: to shape beauty with her hands and heart and offer it as a gift. 'I've always believed that beauty, when created with intention, has the power to connect us - to evoke memory, soften moment, and bring warmth into everyday life,' she reflects.