Hi from Skipper Steve.
For those of you who have been following our progress you would have noted the very short daily passage distances and therefore our obvious slow speed. This is all caused by a strong depression 1000's of miles away in the Southern Ocean, preventing the normal trade winds developing and subsequently pushing us on to our destination. Hence we are drifting along, blissfully happy and fast running out of wine and provisions...!!!.
There is little else I can report........!!! , no stories of storm and tempest or breakages to man or machine, you could easily think that our lives are boring and monotonous.
FAR FROM IT....!!!!
It is, to the day, 12 months since we left St Lucia and 18 months since Troon. We have completed a longitudinal circumnavigation crossing the longitude of Troon some 3 days ago and some would say this constitutes a circumnavigation? However, for me, the job will not be complete until we sail back into Troon Harbor and once more sample the delights of the quay side fish & chips..!!
A lot of water has passed under the hull during these months and this quiet time, sail drifting in the Southern Atlantic, 100's of miles from any land, provides plenty of time for reflection on the achievements to date, to be thankful for what we have learnt, and to look forward to the enjoyment we can have in the future.
So what is it about this sailing lark:
The achievement:
A longitudinal circumnavigation and 2/3 of the way to our goal and back to Troon. Not bad so far but still along way to go.
What have I learnt:
Where do I start...!!!
This project, passage, pilgrimage or whatever you wish to call it, has changed my outlook and how I view our world, some of those closest to me knew it would, one doesn't need a masters in Psychiatry to realize that..!! Perhaps what they do not understand, is that, it is change for the good...!!
I have learnt, there is not a man made work of art, building or statue which begins to compare with the beauty of Gods natural world. The ever changing colors, the celestial canopy, the feel of the sea, the wind and the forces of nature. The list is endless. Maybe Turner tried to capture it's essence, but sensing it for real is surely the only way.
Our nights whilst drifting along are spent in awe of the skies, free from light and mans pollution the celestial canopy puts on an ever changing show every hour of every day. You never tire of star gazing and it never lets you down. The power of the seas and the wind teach us respect, teach us to value our lives and never to be complacent. Arriving at a new land fall teaches us to appreciate our emotions, to feel the anticipation and enjoy the excitement.
I have met many people, of many cultures, and many lifestyles, some of which are very strange to our eyes, learnt that some of the kindest, healthiest, most welcoming and happy folks are those with little "western" material goods, living a simple life in love, faith and compassion for their fellow man. They want for little and desire even less.(What an education that's been for a boy who has chased the buck all his life...!!) What an example they would be to the extreme fundamentalists, the banking cheats and corrupt officials currently tormenting our western world. If only we could harness the best of their essence, our world, would be a happy safer place.
As for the future:
Quite simply, first we must sail back to Troon...!!! Then we will make plans for the future, reflect on achievements and be very thankful that we have had this opportunity.
Thanks for all your support to date
A very content
Skipper Steve