Kiwi Spirit II On Its Way
Kiwi Spirit II left the dock under tow at 12:30 pm today, November 29th. Engine and fuel have been officially sealed to comply with the rules. Once at sea and before the Outer Buoy off St. Augustine inlet, she was held to the wind. Keel down to maximum depth, sails raised, support crew off. Kiwi Spirit II was then released from the tow boat and was once again on her way. Bermuda is expected to be reached in five to six days and once rounded that’s probably when Dr. Paris wi
Once I start don’t expect many Blogs
Given my three failed attempts I wish to not only low key my start but also my voyage – that is until I get further than before – get past South Africa. If all is well at that point, I will crack open a champagne, raise up my spirits, celebrate and no doubt have an increased sense of confidence. So, what are my goals for this voyage – they have changed. 1. To simply finish. I will place the welfare of the boat first and nurse her around the globe. It’s not about a speed recor
Circumnavigators - It’s Getting Crowded Out There
Solo sailing is literally taking off. It was only 50 years ago that Sir Robin Knox Johnson became the first person to complete a solo non-stop (England and back to England). Now this year some 23 sailors signed up for the Golden Globe to repeat that event. Only 18 started and one who had twice scaled Mt Everest cancelled out just a few days before commenting that “solo sailing was like driving while sitting in the back seat of a car with no one at the wheel.” Misfortune has b
Here I go Again - 4th and Final Attempt - Solo non-stop Circumnavigation – Nov. 29th
We are in the advanced planning and preparation and all systems are go to depart the St. Augustine City dock at 12:30 pm Thursday, November 29th. Readers may recall that my first attempt in 2014 ended when the deck fittings supporting the mast began to fail and I retired into Cape Town, South Africa. A year later it was a complete tear of the high Tec mainsail and once again to South. Africa. Then last year a bizarre set of electronic malfunctions and I headed into Bermuda an
Departure Delayed
Though wishing for a silent departure, Dr. Paris on Kiwi Spirit II, will not be departing as planned on November 24th. A more realistic date will be later in the month and will be posted in a blog. Thank you for your interest.