Around the World in 90 Days (give or take)

[jonsailr]

I have had the priviledge of working on Ocean Planet, Bruce Schwab's "wooden" Open 60 off and on since January of this year as he prepares to enter the Vendee Globe, the solo, non-stop, around the world race starting on November 7, 2004, in France.

I, and many others, put in 100 plus hour weeks getting her into the water for her July 14 launching, attended by the Maine Governor and Dodge Morgan among others. http://home.comcast.net/~jonsailr/BRUCED.1.JPG
There is quite a contrast between Ocean Planet and Lions Whelp, though both are sturdy, ocean going vessels. http://home.comcast.net/~jonsailr/EMPTYC.1.JPG

This link is to Bruce's latest message to
supporters: http://www.bruceschwab.com/news_hldr.cfm?art=updt_usa05_2004/news_083004.cfm

Maybe take a look, see what's been happening. He's the only American to enter the Vendee Globe this year, and plans to be the first to officially finish.

My apologies for making my first post a plea for money for good cause, but if you meet Bruce, you know any donations are well spent. Lions Whelp owner Phin Sprague certainly thinks so, regrettably, Bruce has not been able to get the attention of a major American corporation.

Thanks,

Jonathan

[John Bell]

Ever since I started following the story of Isabelle Autissier in the BOC in the early 90's, I've been hooked on this kind of racing. She blew everyone away on the first leg from Charleston to Cape Town, arriving 5 days ahead of the next guy. On the next leg to Aukland, she was dismasted. She made up a jury rig and limped into the Kergulen Islands, where she improvised a yawl rig on her Finot Open 60. Somewhere south of Australia, she was again dismasted, only this time the rig tore off the coachroof. A daring rescue by the Aussie Navy deep in the Southern Ocean ended her race. Then a few years later I was gripped by the tale as Isabelle again wrecked in the Southern Ocean between NZ and Cape Horn. Her boat, PRB, capsized too far from anywhere for an outside rescue. A fellow competitor Giovanni Soldini, in an amazing feat of seamanship, altered course and found her. She remained inside the overturned PRB for protection from the elements. Gio sailed close enough to bounce a hammer off the hull, and Isabelle popped out the transom door. Soldini went on to win the race. If that ain't drama, I don't know what is!

This is the most extreme sport imaginable. I have nothing but respect for the brave men and women who dare to do this kind of race. Thanks for the post!