Tahira - TAHIRA ARC BLOG D-Day 4 [23-Nov-23]

TAHIRA ARC BLOG
D-Day 4 [23-Nov-23]
Location: North of Cape Verde
Lat: 21.59N Long: 21.09W

Meet the crew: JOHN (the squirrel) MACTEAR

How would you describe yourself in one sentence?
"John is a passionate sailor who is a very active and capable person with a great sensitivity to others. He is always looking for a challenge and to learn whilst recognising that it is not always possible to get it right first time.
What is your first favourite piece of music and why?
" Bring me sunshine, Morecombe and Wise. The reason I love this is that it is a great mantra for how to live life.
What is your greatest achievement in live to-date?
" Climbing in Mount Blanc - Europe's highest mountain at 4,800 meters. This tough climb was made more difficult because the prep time we had allowed ourselves was lost due to adverse weather conditions - something that as a sailor he is very conscious of.
What sailing experience have you had?
" None whatsoever! Actually John is a qualified Yachtmaster, a Sailability Coach and RYA Senior Instructor, and has over 50 years sailing in crafts of all shapes and sizes. He loves sailing with his family, with friends and by himself.
What is your second favourite piece of music and why?
" Roxanne by the Police. When young we used to listen to the Police all the time and saw them live at Southampton University
What motivated you do this trip?
" John is an experienced sailor, but recognises that crossing an ocean as big as the Atlantic will be a new experience. Simply being out in the middle of a massive ocean will be completely different, and something most serious sailors aspire to at some stage. He is also looking forward to being part of a team and keen to support everyone else in the crossing.
What major concerns do you have?
" Catastrophic breakage - mast, rudder or collision with a submerged object. John feels that the probability of any of these happening is low, and we have contingencies in place for all.
What is your third favourite piece of music and why?
" Summertime by the Billie Holiday - simply because I love the summer.
What have you learned since starting this adventure?
" John started to plan for the Atlantic crossing 3 years ago - creating a list of people he wanted to sail with. Key lessons have been that: 1) preparation is key, 2) that you are never 100% prepared, and 3) that crossing the Atlantic is not really about sailing - it is about: electrics, plumbing, nutrition, First aid, teamwork, navigation, mathematics ++
What does success look like for you?
" Everyone of the crew enjoyed the trip and got something positive out of it.
What are you running away from?
" Old age!
What will you do next?
" Sail back in May 2024. After that, who knows...

Note
" John felt that this interview process felt like a desert island discs interview - a radio program he really enjoys.

Blog author: Andy Bruce