Earlier today after learning of my lost luggage (found thank goodness), I rode the train and explored southern UK near Portsmouth. No pictures, just absorbing the local life and interacting with people. I am pleased to say the people in the greater Portsmouth area are very warm and friendly. A few people went out of their way to be helpful after hearing my American accent. It is a level of care I have not experienced in too many places. Three cheers to the Brits!
BTW the train system is very nice! Clean, comfy, quiet seats & great value for the traveler!
Ahoy! Welcome aboard. This is a blog about my sailing adventures. I have been accepted to crew for the Clipper 13-14 round the world (RTW) yacht race. I have chosen to sail from Capetown, South Africa to Perth, Australia. This will be a learning experience full of adventure and I hope you enjoy the ride. Fair winds - Joseph
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Luggage delayed/lost in Amsterdam
Pretty smooth flights into Amsterdam & Southampton, UK. Bummer my large suitcase was delayed or lost. Dina and I are trying to track it down. I have a minimum set of sailing gear in my carry on with me...so I will survive. Really sucks though :-o)
Below is a harbor view pic of Portsmouth UK. Huge Royal Navy museum here along with their present fleet of modern ships and their naval academy.
Tomorrow it will probably be more luggage chasing and then I'll check in at 5pm to a 68ft yacht for Level 1 training.
Update: Bag arrived! Taxi bringing it to my hotel :-o)
Below is a harbor view pic of Portsmouth UK. Huge Royal Navy museum here along with their present fleet of modern ships and their naval academy.
Tomorrow it will probably be more luggage chasing and then I'll check in at 5pm to a 68ft yacht for Level 1 training.
Update: Bag arrived! Taxi bringing it to my hotel :-o)
Sunday, July 29, 2012
What's this about learning to sail?
This is my first post for my upcoming sailing adventure in the Southern Ocean. Where is this place? Most have heard of the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian and Arctic oceans, but where is the Southern Ocean? Simply put: It is down south! We're talking the water that resides north of Antarctica, but south of Africa, Australia, New Zealand and South America.
The seas in this region of the world are notoriously large, and the winds are very fast (30mph+). Your typical cruising sailboat would not be able to sail this ocean without the risk of structural failure. One must sail in a well designed boat, and sailors must be equipped with not only survival suits, but a lot of training too!
Have a look at the picture below to examine the race route.
The seas in this region of the world are notoriously large, and the winds are very fast (30mph+). Your typical cruising sailboat would not be able to sail this ocean without the risk of structural failure. One must sail in a well designed boat, and sailors must be equipped with not only survival suits, but a lot of training too!
Have a look at the picture below to examine the race route.
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Many things influenced me to take on this adventurous challenge. After my global deployment with the US Marines back in 1987 I have been in what I refer to as "adventure withdrawal" ever since. Imagine sailing the world and returning to a Midwestern city. Each visit to the ocean on vacation teases me as I gaze out over it and ponder returning to sea some day. Yet, I have a desire to sail the Southern Ocean? Why? I will get right to the main reasons:
1. I have never been there and I want to experience it's raw power first hand. I have sailed in rough seas before, but nothing like the Southern Ocean.
2. I strongly relish the challenge of enduring over 3 weeks of rough seas and high winds. It will be one wild ride :-o)
3. It will rapidly prepare me to become an expert sailor. My long term plans are to obtain all my American Sailing Association (ASA) certifications so that I can skipper my own yachts while on vacation. You see where I'm going with this? Vacations with family & friends are soon to be a lot more exciting.
Below is a preview of "Leg 3" of the Clipper race, also referred to as the "roller coaster ride" to Australia.
My training starts this week in Portsmouth, UK and I will update this blog if I can find a computer there or WiFi access for my iPhone. If not, I'll upload the content when I get back.
Fair winds,
Joseph
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