Anyone following ocean events over the past couple weeks has realized how much has been happening. While the weather here in the Northeast has been freakishly temperate, in some places sailors and ship passengers have been getting their asses handed to them.
First, as for solo round-the-world cruising sailors, who could have missed the HUGE American media coverage of
Ken Barnes dramatic rescue. Thankfully, according to recent reports, he apparently wasn't in bad shape when he was picked up with just $800 in cash and his passport. At first look, it appears like his once
beautiful steel ketch was rolled over in violent weather near the imfamously treacherous Cape Horn. Yet, all the facts are his to tell. He is reportedly baffled by all the coverage. Who wouldn't be? Undoubtedly, he has happy to be alive, but heartbroken (as any of us would be) that his dreams of sailing the world were cut short in such a manner.
Donna Lange, the closest solo round the world sailor, who was in contact with Ken, reported on the rescue. The thoughts of his close call must be with her as she safely crossed Cape Horn on her 28' Southern Cross "Inspired Insanity." We'll be following Donna Lange's journey.
Yesterday, in Marco Island Florida, 4 apparently perished while playing with their 31 foot speedboat. Their figure 8 maneuvers ended abruptly and tragically when the nose of the boat caught a wave a flipped. Yikes!
Australia, lately, has been the source of many wild sea tales from Australia where the Sydney-Hobart race slammed two premier yachts and a bunch of others. Thankfully, no deaths, but there were some injuries. Sailboat racing is a dangerous sport. Even after the race there have been some distress calls from participating yachts.
The worst, however, is the recent weather related fatalities in the December 28 sinking of the KM Mandiri in the Java Sea, Indonesia. Indonesians have seen the wrath of the weather, as we all know, from two years ago. After the tsunami, survivors were found 3-weeks later. In this accident, just today,
Fourteen survivers were rescued 9-days after the sinking and Indonesians have hope that even more of the 600-plus passengers will be found alive. To date approximately 250 have been rescued. Sadly, this week in Indonesia, harsh weather also took a commercial jet with oer 100 passengers off the coast.
Metal has been found, but hasn't yet been linked with the aircraft.
These are just a few of the many many unfortunate occurances that mother nature has recently caused against man in the world oceans. It is a fact of life for working, racing and cruising sailors world wide. Yet, the rewards of the ocean far outstretch the risks. Millions (including me practically everyday) take to the water to travel. Whether across the Hudson river or across oceans, there is a feeling the water gives that just can't be replicated any other way.
Just last week a 16-year-old became the youngest person ever to cross the ocean solo. Insane, yes, but brilliant nonetheless. It reminds me of the first time I read the story of an 18-year-old girl named Tania Aebi from New York who sailed the world alone on a 26 foot contessa with her cats. Well done!
We will always take to the sea. We will lose to the sea and we will honor those who are lost. We will honor the power of the sea. But, at the end of the day, we will love and appreciate this wonder mother nature has given to us no matter what she chooses to throw in.
Would a total sailboat electronics geek take a picture of himself blogging wireless from his salon just because he can? Yes.
The best 'toy' element has been the wireless keyboard. This picture shows the setup at the chart table (obviously, this area needs to be refinished).
Instead of mounting it on the main bulkhead, I decided to buy a heavy duty mount (able to withstand the marine environment) to pivot the TV to the salon. Now, Piper can watch Sufjan Stevens and chart Block Island from his favorite spot!
