There have been a lot of questions recently about all aspects of the trip. Unfortunately, I don't have the time to answer all of them, but fortunately many of them are similar. Here's answers to some of the most frequently asked questions:
Why sail around the world?
Sailing around the world is the ultimate challenge that a solo sailor can take on. Crossing oceans gives one great satisfaction at having achieved traveling great distances on a craft propelled by the wind. Circumnavigating the planet nonstop is a tremendous feat that takes a great deal of persistence and drive to achieve. Sailing around the world gives me the opportunity to promote a sustainable future with the boat as a perfect example of living simply and self contained. It also gives me the chance to encourage other young people to get out in the world and live life. Today's youth are tomorrows leaders and sitting behind a TV is a bad way to train for making a difference in the world! Most importantly, I am circumnavigating to prove to myself that the world really is round!
How long have you planned the trip? Were you inspired by Zac Sunderland or Michael Perham?
I have been dreaming of sailing across the oceans for over ten years (a long time at my age) and had been planning this voyage full time for two years before I heard of Zac or Micheal's attempts. Unlike their voyages that are financially supported by their families, I have had to raise all the resources for my trip exclusively through sponsorship. Naturally, the voyage timing coincided with the worst economic disaster since the great depression. Fortunately, I have still had the help of thousands of people all over the world. Michael and Zac were both driven by the same dream of sailing around the world as I am and I think their voyages are extraordinary. In the end records are not important, our voyages are about going for a dream and keeping at it until we have found our own success.
Why have you chosen to sail through the southern ocean rather than the much easier trade wind route?
The Southern Ocean is the most remote and expansive stretch of water on the planet. In every way, it is much more challenging to sail through than the warm waters found to the north. In addition to the cold, icebergs, ships and great distances between safe ports, the southern ocean has some extreme weather to deal with. Waves travel all the way around the globe without land to stop their progress. When they combine with one of the storms moving east through the roaring forties and furious fifties, they can reach alarming heights. For me, sailing around the world is about taking on these challenges that are both exciting and terrifying at the same time. Traveling nonstop means everything has to withstand months of wear without a refit and all repairs must be made at sea. Sailing the Southern Ocean route will also mean experiencing nature as few people ever get to do and will allow me to sail through the greatest liquid wilderness on earth.
What kind of weather do you expect to encounter during the voyage?
Weather at sea is an extremely complicated and it takes a great deal of knowledge to make the best decisions for routing your way across the oceans of the world. I have spent a lot of time studying weather and learning what to expect, and fortunately, I will have the help of Ocean Marine Nav. to strategically route my way around the world. Bob Jones has kindly agreed to provide routing for the voyage so we can make the best decisions when sailing through the roaring forties as well as the kinder but sometimes frustrating winds of the tropics.
Why is it taking so long?
Taking on such a expedition naturally means that all kinds of challenges will be met underway. Raising the funds for this trip has been a long and difficult path. Over the years I have been in touch with almost two thousand companies about supporting the voyage. For even the most accomplished adventurer or athlete obtaining sponsorship is an extreme challenge. For a teenager looking to take on the world alone, most companies don't take you seriously. However, with persistence amazing things can be done. The amount of support for the voyage and interest in the journey is incredible. I do not like to preach what is always said but you really can do anything if you are truly committed to it. I am 100% committed to making this voyage happen so look out Cape Horn, I'm coming!
How will you manage the solitude?
Alone at sea there will always be things to keep me busy. Along with keeping the boat in one piece and moving in the right direction there will be navigation, cooking (try making canned food look appetizing for eight months!), making repairs, reading, communication, writing, and all kinds of other things to do. The boat will be set up with the latest in communication equipment and this will allow me to keep in touch with friends, family, press and those following the trip. Compared to the challenges of solitude in the past, the wonders of satellites have allowed modern sailors to keep up with the outside world much easier!