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On September 4th, MCC, in collaboration with the Hungarian Museum of Science, Technology and Transport relaunched the legendary St Jupát on Lake Balaton – the boat hand-built by Nándor Fa and József Gál and used by these two brave sailors in 1985 to circumnavigate the globe in 717 days, touching the shores of 12 countries and becoming the first Hungarians to sail around the world in this 31-foot vessel.
Nándor Fa and József Gál made history in both Hungarian and international sailing by completing an extraordinary round-the-world journey on the St Jupát, a boat they named after the patron saint of canoeists. Their bold adventure included successfully sailing around Cape Horn, often called the "Mount Everest of sailors."
Upon returning home, the Szent Jupát briefly remained on Lake Balaton, while Fa and Gál founded an organization dedicated to its preservation. In 1996, the boat was donated to the Transport Museum, where it was showcased in the Hall of Fame from 2001. After the museum building was demolished in 2006, the vessel was moved to a specialized storage facility, ensuring its preservation under optimal conditions.
By spring 2025, thanks to the collaboration between MCC and the Hungarian Museum of Science, Technology and Transport, and with the expertise of Nándor Fa, the boat will be fully restored and preserved. The 40th anniversary of the Szent Jupát’s journey will be celebrated with a 700-day program, showcasing the boat’s role in Hungarian sailing history and inspiring future generations through its story of perseverance and adventure.
