Hi everyone,
Namaste and I just weathered through Hurricane Isabel. Namaste took a hit from a piling to the bow-sprit, and some other damage, and I got pretty beat up myself, what an experience though.
A lot of my friends have suggested that I need to be a bit more “Alex”, and tell you guys why I’m doing this crazy, sailing around the world thing.
It’s simple, I’m chasing a childhood dream, and I want to share it with other’s who share the same dream.
A lot of you guys (subscribers) have asked, “How can you afford to do this?”, “Do the Sponsors pay you?”
I can afford this because I’m doing whatever it takes to live my dream, I worked a jack-hammer for the past week, and unfortunately no, the sponsors do not pay me. They have been very instrumental in helping me outfit “Namaste” for the trip though. I’m only dealing with companies that I believe in, and have the best products available. Many of you have told me that you are planning to go cruising and are currently outfitting your own boats. By field testing all of my sponsor’s equipment, I feel comfortable recommending that you use the same equipment in your boats. Good equipment in sailing equates to one thing, SAFETY, and that should be your first priority in outfitting your boats.
Cruising can be as expensive, or inexpensive, as you choose. I do it very inexpensively. I usually anchor, cook onboard, don’t go out partying, and try to focus on producing the show & website to fill my time.
I’ve been getting a lot of “what happened to you?” emails; well I’m paying the price of the trip, working my ass off.
What happened to me?
Well it’s like this. I figured since I was waiting for hurricane season to blow by, even though Isabel just kicked my ass, I decided to take some work and stash some cruising cash.
My cousin offered me work. Actually he offer to over-pay me to the point I couldn’t say no. He knew I needed some more safety equipment, and has been keeping me busy, thanks Steve. So far I’ve done; 3 waterproofing jobs, re-wired a hose on Capitol Hill, installed fence, done various farm work, and shot some video and did some web-design for the government.
Why am I doing this?
I think “U2” said it best, “I just haven’t found what I’m looking for”. Sailing around the world was a childhood dream. I also believe there is “something better” out there, and I’m determined to find it.
I also didn’t like what I was becoming in LA and I didn’t like the people around me. Everyone seems to have lost perspective on what’s really important in life. I know one thing. It’s not a successful carrier, what kind of car you drive, or your zip code, at least for me it’s not.
I guess I could say eight years of college, and 12 years in the film industry put me on the blistering end of a jackhammer, well it did. But in the past year I’ve gotten closer to my realizing my dreams, and made more friends, then I had in LA in over 12 years. I think that’s success. Truthfully, I’d rather work a jackhammer and sail around the world, then have all the money in the world, and not sail around the world, you know what I mean? If I won the lottery today I’d wake up tomorrow doing the same thing.
Anyway I’ve installed a wind generator, new stove, battery monitor, and hi-output alternator. I’ve bought a new laptop & DVD burner. The DVD burner awesome, for those of you who only have dialup, I will have the show available on CD & DVD soon. I finally got a second video camera (JVC GR-DVM70). I also added an emergency boarding ladder, cockpit chair, binocular holder, and wind scoop to Namaste’s inventory.
I’m getting antsy to get going but the weather is keeping me at bay. Lightning has struck within 50 yards of Namaste 3 times in the past 3 weeks that I know of. Thank God I installed the Lightning protection back in Mystic. My good camera got trashed by Isabel, and I have a few thousand dollars in other damage (Bow-sprit, ect).
The plan is to leave the Chesapeake in late early to mid October. I’ll cruise the inter-coastal waterway to Miami, and be in the Bahamas for Christmas. I want to check out Cuba, Jamaica, and South America before passing through the Canal in March.
I’ll post a new episode within the next couple weeks along with an updated route & schedule.
As always, feel free to send in any suggestions or comments.
Follow your dreams.
– Alex
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