The Sint Maarten galleon

Federico Supervielle Bergés

Today we present the third part of the "Albatross" saga, written by the Spanish war sailor Federico Supervielle Bergés, lieutenant of the Spanish Navy who continues the adventures of this particular ship through this new book titled "The Sint Maarten Galleon".

Similar to the Maritime Action Vessels of our Navy, the "Albatros" is a fictitious ship that sails for a private company and is commanded by a young Spaniard from the merchant navy, although it embarks a good number of personnel from the Forces. Armed Forces and the FCSE, essential for their particular missions…

A special crew, made up of characters such as Gaby, the second in command, a former Navy officer removed from service due to an accident in which he was not at fault, or Paco, ex-GEO in charge of security, Joseba, one of the best helicopter pilots in the world or Grease, chief engineer.

If the crew is special, the mission they face in this installment is no less special, perhaps a little darker despite the setting than the previous ones and not without surprises and action galore. A sunken galleon with the wreck divided between two locations, a terrorist gang, a billionaire willing with his yacht to pursue his own objectives, the United Nations and the government of Sint Maarten are just some of the factors involved in this fast-paced novel.

A novel perhaps more focused on the main protagonist than the previous installment, "The Corsair of Black Gold" and, as we said, perhaps somewhat darker and more exciting. Submarine raids, asymmetric warfare, information warfare and many unexpected twists, as is customary in this saga. Also, as it could not be otherwise, an open ending, once again, that leaves us wondering about a possible fourth book.

The book has an additional virtue and that is that it is not at all necessary to read the two previous installments to get situated or to enjoy it - although we have no doubt that whoever reads it will read the other two books. The author has once again made an effort to make it easy, skillfully introducing the characters and leaving enough information about other adventures so that it is easy to get an exact idea of ​​the background, which is always appreciated.

In another vein, there is one last aspect in which this book stands out over the two previous installments, and that is that the navigation maneuvers are described more and better, which become more important and will make nautical fans enjoy. Furthermore, knowing the author's experience aboard ships similar to the "Albatros", even though everything is fictionalized, it adjusts to their reality and capabilities.

At the end of the day, although we tend to put the focus on people, in reality the true protagonist of the book is the "Albatross" itself, a ship that feels alive at all times, from when it is still docked in port waiting of a new mission, even when he roars and writhes injured... a tribute to nautical life and a show of love for boats that also has its appeal.

In short, once again we are faced with a novel worth reading and that will undoubtedly give us a good time. Furthermore, knowing that there is no large publisher that supports the work, but that everything is the result of the effort of its author, it is even more worth the small outlay it entails. In case you are not very sure, You can read the first pages here. In any case, in our opinion it is a totally recommendable book that you can - and should - purchase here.