Letter: Greetings from far out in the Atlantic

Posted 8/19/15

To the editor:

Hello from offshore, nearing the Azores Archipelago,

It seems a whole existence ago that the fury to get Inspired Insanity and I ready to sail the world was feverishly going on. During that time, each of you played a …

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Letter: Greetings from far out in the Atlantic

Posted

To the editor:

Hello from offshore, nearing the Azores Archipelago,

It seems a whole existence ago that the fury to get Inspired Insanity and I ready to sail the world was feverishly going on. During that time, each of you played a vital role in the success of that preparation as well as to allow me to share my dream to sail the world solo nonstop with the community of Bristol and the community of sailors that call into Bristol as a favored port of call.

Each of you offered support when I announced this adventure and journey. Throughout the month prior to my send-off and then final departure, you each stepped in to allow use of your facility, offered services and supplies, new gear was offered at prices that even on my budget, I could not refuse. You lent willing and happy hands to the packing and event preparations. Inspired Insanity left Bristol July 31, ready to meet the challenges of the biggest oceans of the world.

The send-off event went beyond any expectation I could have had as it was so personal. Those who were there made it supernatural as you all bent an ear to my stories, met those who have fostered my love of the ocean as well as the mountains, and allowed us all to share in an incredible experience of camaraderie and caring for each other. Going to sea is not a travel destination — it is a place sought for millenniums by the greatest poets, adventurers, entrepreneurs, philosophers as an existential experience. I am humbled to consider that I somehow have found my way to the sea as the mentor for my life.

Already I am changed as even in these first two weeks, I have watched and felt the relinquishing of the oppressions of land. I am taking the love and nurture of all I have met with me. You share the sense of the possibilities that await me, spiritually, mentally, and physically as I grow younger at heart and hopefully in body as well under the tutelage of the ocean and the challenges that await.

As I sit, the challenge is patience as I managed to misjudge the movement of the Azores High which has wandered farther north. It is sitting on top of me as I sit becalmed. I have taken to daily swims as a way to appreciate the opportunity to stretch my legs a bit. But look forward to making it back into the trade winds east of the Azores.

Thank you with all my heart for being a part of this process helping me get ready to face all that is ahead. I need not worry as I am sure there is plenty of wind to come.

Best wishes to you all. I hope you will keep an eye on my progress and tales in my sail blog… www.sailblogs.com/member/sailtwicearound

Donna Lange

Aboard Inspired Insanity

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Jim McGaw

A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.