WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Marichalar, who was born in Pamplona, Spain, is known around the world for his adventurous sailing trips on an 11 feet (2.5 meters) boat, or jet ski, which he named Numancia.
"The message I want to share with you here is not only about Russia, it is about how Russia and Spain and the rest of the European Union should be together," Marichalar said on Friday.
The navigator has carried out more than 40 maritime expeditions since 1982, setting 11 World Records.
Marichalar has been living in Russia for about five years. The adventurer described Russia as "a true friend."
"I feel Russia is our brother," he said. "When I say our, I mean European."
Marichalar explained that the countries of the continent share a Christian heritage as well as many historic links.
"Russia and Europe are the same thing."
Marichalar said one of his dreams is to navigate the waters in the north of Russia. He has already traveled by rivers and canals from Moscow to Saint Petersburg.
In 2002, the Spanish navigator became the first person to successfully cross the Atlantic Ocean on a personal watercraft.
