TedTalk - R2AK

Golden Globe Race

In September 2022, Kirsten Neuschäfer will line up at the start of the Golden Globe Race, a solo, unassisted, non-stop single-handed race around the world. This retro race is run on the anniversary of the first Golden Globe Race in 1968/9, which was won by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, who became the first person to sail solo, non-stop around the world. Entrants are limited to sailing similar yachts and equipment to what was available to Sir Robin in that first race. That means sailing without modern technology or the benefit of satellite-based navigation aids. In contrast to the current professional world of elite ocean racing, this edition travels back to a time known as the ‘Golden Age’ of solo sailing. The only woman entered in this edition of the race, Kirsten has been sailing dinghies since her childhood, and became a professional sailor in 2006. Undertaking many inter-continental sailboat deliveries, she has over 150,000 nautical miles of sailing experience. In 2015, she began working for Skip Novak on his Pelagic Expeditions to South Georgia, The Antarctic Peninsula, Patagonia and the Falklands. Kirsten has sailed several film crews down to capture the beauty of the Antarctic, taking the National Geographic series “Wild_Life Resurrection Island with Bertie Gregory” and the BBC series “Seven Worlds, One Planet” to remote South Georgia. When she was just 22, Kirsten cycled on her own from Europe, across the entire African continent, back home to South Africa. The trip brought trials and tribulations but was life-enriching in every sense, giving her the deepest appreciation of Africa and its people. The Golden Globe Race sets out from Les Sables-d’Olonne, France on September 4th, 2022, and follows a route down the Atlantic, eastwards around the Southern Ocean via the five Great Capes, and back to France – a distance of over 30,000 nautical miles. It will involve seven to nine months at sea. This is a race of attrition, luck, seamanship… and adventure! Small yachts in the Southern Ocean are extremely vulnerable, and it will require self reliance and tremendous strength of character and self belief to reach the finish. This short film tells the story of her extraordinary journey to the start line of the Golden Globe Race 2022.

Men Are So Simple

Boat won't start...can't figure out why.

R2AK - The Movie

As you may know I love the spirit of this race. It's a 750 mile dash up the "river" from Pt. Townsend to Ketchikan, AK. There are very few rules which is on purpose. The biggest being that there are no motors, only humum inovation to keep the boat moving when there is no wind. The race started back in 2015 so by now there is tons of footage to make a movie. The movie is currently making its rounds in the multiplexes but you can also rent it and stream it on the big screen thru airplay. Contact is: ian@r2akthemoviedotcom $20 If you are at all interested please rent it and enjoy. It is a great look at a very unique race thru the wilds of Canada and the Inside Passage. Winner gets $10k, second place: a beautiful set of steak knives!

Best of Nazare

Burning Man!

I love that vid! I have been very fortunate to find a group of like minded folks at the Burn. Our camp consisted of 49 friendly folks in a great setting. Our RV's circled the camp which housed our awesome art car the Bioluminesent Slug, a fire pit and canopies with netting to keep the dust out. We spent our days touring the playa, heading to parties, dancing to the hottest DJ's on the planet and dodging dust storms. Each night we had a group dinner that was filled with great food and conversation. The weather was one of the best in recent years. The morning were usually cloud covered, falling to blue skies and then a bit of wind and dust in the afternoon. The evening were spectacular with mild temps and no wind. When you enter the playa at night you are blown away by all the LED lights on the people, the art cars and the bikes. Like Vegas on steroids. On the night of the burn, we headed to the playa. Everything was perfect. As soon as the sunset, the wind gods came alive with an amazing dust storm and violent winds. After 30 minutes, it began to mellow and the burn was on. Pretty amazing indeed. On our way out, we got caught in a 8+ hour delay at the gate. Someone was lost so they closed the gate. Took about 15 hours to get home. If you are thinking about joining the tribes next year, I would say go and have the metamorphosis of your life! This report was from 2016. My third burn.

Boat Follies

I don't usually post these vids as they are ubiquitous on Youtube. I watched this one and I could not resist. There must be a few million in damages here. Hope they all had insurance.

From the Achives: The boat that started our foiling craze!

The Hydroptere is an amazing foiling boat that really started it all. Take a look back at how it all began along with their many failures and success. We saw this boat on the bay back in 2013 when they stopped by while training for a record run to Hawaii (they ran in to some trouble and did not break the record of 4 days and change). The French eventually sold the boat to a group in Richmond. They were getting the boat ready and the lead guy died of a heart attack and things have slowed to a crawl. Have not heard from them in a while although I can still see some of their containers in Richmond near KKMI. Hope they get back on their feet, er foil!

America's Cup Documentary

Netflix has released a new vid you should check out. Relive the magic of the 1983 America’s Cup in The Race of the Century, a new episode of Netflix’s Untold Series, available today. The hour-and-a-half documentary tells the story of an underdog group of Australians who set out to dethrone the New York Yacht Club’s 132-year winning streak in the world’s most prestigious sailing race. Directed by Emmy Award-winning brothers Chapman and Maclain Way and produced by Ben Silverman, the film features never-before-seen footage and the expertise of the likes of John Bertrand, Dennis Conner and other key members of the 1983 U.S. and Australian crews. “The 1983 America’s Cup is an incredible story of characters and patriotism,” says Chapman Way. “What really fascinated us was that the competition was less about physical athleticism and more of a test of engineering and intelligence.”

Every Day Phrases from the High Seas

Mind your P's and Q's This expression is used to remind someone to be polite or aware of proper decorum for any given situation. Although the origin of the phrase is contested, one theory is that sailors — one of the main patrons of dockside pubs — would have their "pints" and "quarts" tracked via a tally chart and chalk. Every once in a while, a tipsy bartender would add an extra "P" or "Q" — prompting their patrons to cry foul. By and large This term describes anything generally successful or on the whole — as in, “By and large, we made out well this quarter.” Yet its origins are more specific. Sailors would call a ship “by and large” when it was able to navigate well by sailing directly into the wind (by) with the wind blowing the widest part of the rear of the ship from behind (large). In other words, the definition still carries through. A ship that could navigate winds “by and large” was generally a good ship. Cat’s out of the bag Loose lips sink ships and this classic feline idiom refers to a secret being revealed. One theory suggests that the Royal Navy’s cat o’nine tails, which was a type of whip used for punishment, was stored in a bag to protect it from salty air. If a secret comes out, there would be pain and punishment. On a similar catty note, the expression “not enough room to swing a cat” that refers to close quarters is also linked to naval slang and not having enough space to bring out the whip. Limey Americans love crafting nicknames for different cultures and "limey" was applied to British sailors. The British navy, in an effort to curb scurvy, ensured the crewmen were getting enough vitamin C by serving regular doses of lime juice. Three sheets to the wind If a boat is literally three sheets to the wind, it's in danger of capsizing. "Sheets" in a sailing context refers to ropes that control the trim of the sail. Changing all three sheets to sit sideways to the wind is typically only used in a major storm to help balance the boat. The position of the sheets means things are getting more than a little topsy turvy — just like an inebriated sailor. Pass with flying colors If you breezed through a test, you might use this expression to boast. The phrase references ships, victorious in battle, sailing home with their colors or flags flying quite visibly. Great naval victories might have been more impressive than just passing a driving test, but the spirit is the same. Scuttlebutt This quirky word refers to a rumor or gossip. Back in the early 1900s, sailors would get their drinking water from a “water butt” on the deck of a ship. Just as in modern times, this old-fashioned water cooler was the spot for gossip swaps. Loose cannon A loose cannon is wildly irresponsible and recklessly dangerous — as in a wildly unpredictable cousin, or a cannon freed from its restraints rolling around on a ship deck. Either way, this colloquial phrase spells trouble. Hunky Dory Hunky Dory is an abbreviated version of a street name in Japan known for the services provided to the sailors who visited there. It is meant to mean all is well or perfect. For example: He reassured his teacher that all was hunky-dory and that the project was on track for completion within the given time frame. Shanghai Shanghai is a city in China and was often an area where people were kidnapped and pressed into service on ships. To be Shanghaied is to be taken or betrayed. The Cut of His/Her Jib Jibs are a type of sail, and many ships would fly unique jibs to show their country of origin or what type of ship it was. For example: I always liked the cut of her jib!

Back from Africa

What a glorious trip to the Seringeti. Bridget and I, along with six others took in four different camps and tons of wild animals along the way. I can tell you honestly that it is a long way from California but worth it. We saw all the we wanted and more. The guides and camps with And Beyond were terrific. Some camps were a little rustic and others over the top. We had breakfast in the bush several times and it was great. The food was outstanding in the camps and the staff was always top notch. Several in our group lost passports, wallets and electronics along the way...all got returned. The wildlife is flourishing out there. Millions of widebeasts, tons of lions and so much more. The rihno was tough to find and near our last day we had an encounter to remember. A mother and daughter were roaming the bush and we were about 75 yards away. Very cool. The ride home was exceptional with Lufthansa. Full lie downs with comforter and great service. They even had a bedroom and shower in the lounge for me to take a nap during our layover. Too much fun indeed!

Wing Foiler Action at the Golden Gate

I have had a teriffic summer of sailing this year! Lots to be thankful for and sharing this amazing sport with friends and dogs. I also do alot of solo sails with my golden Hana during the week. A few weeks ago I took a group from Got Wind and Water (meetup) for a nice summer sail to Tiburon. Dropped them at 4 back at the docks of Emeryville. Then took off for an 8 mile sail to Sausalito. I needed to get there before 6:30 to meet my sister (visiting from New Hampshire) for dinner. I made it and paddled over to dinner in the kayak. We had a lovely time. Stayed the night and then a quick sail home in the morning. It keeps getting better! I depart on Friday for a flight to Amsterdam and eventullay Africa for a safari or two. My other sis is joining along with some old friends. Great way to wrap up the summer. In September, Tex will join me for a trip down the coast to Monterey and back to SF. We will habor hop to Half Moon Bay, Santa Cruz and then Monterey both up and down the coast. Nice 4-6 hour sails in daylight. You may remeber that Tex was my first mate on our 7 month voyage to Mexico and back in 2018/19. He moved a year ago out of state and I have not seen him since. It will be great to sail with him again. The distance to Monterey is about 90 nautical miles. Looking forward!

Amazing Rescue at Sea

(August 8, 2022) - USCG-licensed captain, instructor and rigging specialist Andy Schwenk (57, Point Richmond, CA) has been brought safely to land by a combination of Coast Guard, Air Force, commercial shipping, and assistance from a fellow yacht. A rapidly-spreading infection required the action. Schwenk's Express 37 Spindrift V had completed the 2022 Pacific Cup from San Francisco to Hawaii, finishing first in her class on July 18. Returning to California, the boat faced heavy weather, damaging their mainsail and leading to an injury to Andy’s ankle, which subsequently became infected. Various elements of Spindrift’s communications tools were also damaged, leading to challenges in getting assistance. A relayed call to Pac Cup race organizers led to the diversion of fellow racer (and division winner) Surprise, a Schumacher 46 owned by Bob and Maryann Hinden and skippered for the return by Robin Jeffers, diverting to transfer antibiotics to Spindrift V. The August 4 transfer at 1:00 am was a “real pro job,” as Andy later texted. Because of Spindrift’s communications problems, many of the communications in this incident were routed through systems that had been established to manage the race itself. “When the boats couldn’t make direct contact, a lot of coordination took place on my iPhone,” commented Principal Race Officer Michael Moradzadeh. The infection progressed, and after a number of consultations with medical advisors at George Washington University (who had been retained to provide medical support) they, and ultimately US Coast Guard, recommend a medical evacuation. Taiwanese oil and chemical tanker FPMC35 diverted from its course to Panama to collect Schwenk (another midnight transfer) on August 5. Two medics parachuted to the FPMC35 from a C130 aircraft and stabilized his condition as the tanker steamed at 12 knots toward San Francisco. On August 7, an airborne flotilla comprising two Blackhawk helicopters, two refuelers, and two C130s combined to collect Schwenk and the medics and deposit them at Moffet Field, who then was transferred to Stanford Hospital where he is reported to be in stable condition. “We’re incredibly grateful for the actions of Surprise, the FPMC35, the Coast Guard and the Air Force, and our consultants at George Washington University’s Maritime Medical Access team,” said Pacific Cup Commodore Jim Quanci. “Without the concerted action of all these responders, Andy’s situation could have been much worse.” A veteran of dozens of crossings and over 300,000 ocean miles, this is the first time Schwenk has had to call for help, and he has expressed his thanks for the support. Spindrift V is proceeding toward the Golden Gate under the command of the remaining crew, including the very experienced Peter English. Travelling at 6.25 knots, Spindrift should arrive in about five days. (via Scuttlebutt)

Foggy and Cold In SF

Adrift from Simon Christen on Vimeo.

Barley hitting the mid 60's in SF. How is your weather today?

The weather is here, wish you were beautiful!

Time to start thinking about a charter or two. I did two this year: La Paz, Mexico and the BVI in the Caribbean. Both were superb and fun! The next two on my wish list are the Whitsundays and Croatia. Bon Voyage! Here is a glimpse of Croatia.

The Big Boys in St. Barts (2015)

Get Tubed with Kai Lenny!

Best waves of the last 15 years hits Maui after a tropical storm passes by. Biggest Teahupoo in 12 years!!

More R2AK

I sure enjoy the reading and videos of this amazing race. The inovations that are used to move the boat when there is no wind never cease to amaze. Plus the amount of heart and courage it takes to finish this 700 mile race. Lots of boats this year hit logs in the middle of the night and had to retire due to the damage from the impact. One team mentioned that when they hit the log, the bioluminesence created was impressive. One guy hit 5 logs in one night! I also love the beauty and solitude this race provides. I just watched a dozen videos of the race from the last few years and here a couple that really stood out. r2ak.com for more or browse youtube.

My Top 10 Favorite Movies

I have watched alot of movies in my almost 64 years. I don't watch many TV shows so instead I watch movies. There was a 25+ year period where my wife and I would go to a movie a week. I guess you would call me a movie buff! I started a list of movies that I love and realized quickly that there were alot more than 10. Here they are in no particular order. Oh Brother Where Art Thou, 5th Element, A Fish Called Wanda, Limitless, Wild Things, Intolerable Cruelty, V for Vendetta, Sideways, High Fidelity, North by North West, Some Like it Hot, ET, Raiders of the Lost Arc, Romancing the Stone, Something About Mary, Heartbreak Kid, Basic Instinct, Big Labowski, Matrix, Dark Knight, Get Out, Back to the Future, Yesterday, Edge of Tomorrow, Terminator 2, Body Double, Talented Mr. Ripley, Flirting with Disaster, American Beauty, Inception, Dead Poets Society, Born Yesterday, Midnight in Paris, I Care A lot

R2AK is Back!

The race to Alaska started a few weeks ago and is still going! The race begins in Port Townsend, WA with a check out leg to Victoria, BC. From there it continues up the inside passage to Ketchican, AK (700 miles). The catch is that no motors are allowed and the currents can be 14 knots against you! First prize is $10k, second is a set of steak knives (remember the famous speech in Glengery Glen Ross, Alec Balwin?). The crazy part about the race is that it can include rowers, paddle boards, and such. The cool part is the inovation on the boats use to create propulsion with oars, bike paddlewheels and so much more. This was the first year that teams could go west around Vancouver Island out into the Pacific. That is exactly what the winners did. Check the site for updates and great reads. https://r2ak.com/