305.305.6413
Saving Our River Fish By Dr. Martin Arรณstegui
Travel and Exploration Director of Sol y Mar Magazine
My son Martini and I are fishing world records hunters. We travel to exotic destinations in search of large fish that if caught may qualify for world records. Our adventures have taken us to many places in search of large exotic fish. One of our favorite places is the Kabalebo River deep in the tropical rainforest of Suriname. This river is teeming with large Giant Trahiras (Wolf Fish), Redtail Catfish, Sorubim Catfish and giant Piranhas.
Fishing in a tropical jungle river surrounded by wild animals while catching record size fish is truly a wonderful experience. Our visits to this vibrant river have resulted in the capture of more than twenty-five fish that have been granted world record status by the International Game Fish Association. Martini and I released every one of these fish alive and unharmed. We feel that releasing large river fish is very important. Rivers are very limited, but important, ecosystems that will collapse if subjected to heavy fishing pressure, pollution or habitat destruction. Rivers also play a very important role in the survival of all the wildlife that live in the forest. Today many large river fish are in danger of extinction. The future of our rivers depends upon our commitment to save the fish, prevent water pollution and say no to habitat destruction. The photographs represent world record fish caught by Martini and I during our river adventures in Suriname’s Kabalebo Nature Resort. www.kabalebo.com
The Birds of the Everglades By Dr. MartĂn ArĂłstegui Photos de Pat Ford
Winter and spring are best times of the year to visit the Everglades. Many wading birds make their home in the Everglades at this time of the year. Another important reason for visiting at this time is that the mosquitoes are almost absent during this period. I say almost absent because there always are some mosquitoes waiting for the weather to warm up in order to start biting people. This time of the year is also the dry season in South Florida and as a result many small fish get concentrated in water holes.
If you find a water hole, you will find many beautiful birds that visit the water holes in order to feed on the small fish and crustaceans. One of my favorite places to observe Everglades birds and other animals is the Anhinga Trail. This water hole is located in Everglades National Park in South Florida. At this time of the year, this area is full of wading birds, turtles and alligators that can be safely observed at close range. Another good area to visit is Shark Valley, also a part of Everglades National Park. If you visit the Everglades, remember to bring a camera so you can save the memories of a wonderful experience. http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/anhinga-trail.htm http://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/svdirections.htm
Palmetto Expressway By Lilene Faroy Photos Nick Faroy
www.FaroyAerialProjects.com Credit: Safeguard Self Storage
State Road 826, better known as the Palmetto Expressway, was built between the years 1958 to 1962. Its north-south part received its name from Palmetto Road, which is the road it basically replaced. It was one of the first freeways to be constructed and designed in metropolitan Miami.
Over the years, it has and still is undergoing overall improvement programs designed to add travel lanes and exits, rebuild bridges over Miller Road, Bird Road, and SR 874, and build a new pedestrian bridge just north of Bird Road, new landscaping and many more improvements. In 1998, the Palmetto Expressway received the Urban Highway Merit Award for excellence in Highway Design from the Federal Highway Administration. State Road 826 or Palmetto Expressway has successfully addressed and resolved a vital need for effective transportation, improved safety and a smoother traffic flow for commuters in the metropolitan area.
IN THE GARDEN OF HEAVEN By Enrico Ghedini
Three thousand species of fish, including more than 300 species of predators, among them some of the most aggressive in the world, 1300 species of birds and about 450 species of mammals and the largest river basin on earth, add lush an breathtaking nature, in which forest and water are dominant elements , and what you get is one of the most beautiful and remote places on earth, the Green Lung of the world and a Garden of Heaven for adventure lovers and mad travelling anglers, The Amazon Forest! A garden of heaven where an avid angler can find some of the fiercest freshwater fighters in the world and where nature rules, even over mankind!
The rain forest in fact covers almost 6 million square kilometers, flooded forest as far as the eye can see and thousands of inland wetlands and marshes, which in the rain season become part of the main river basin and create an incredible and unique environment! Then finally I got my chance to fish for one of the predators of my wildest dreams! In fact I can say that almost 90% of the trips to Amazon surely are organized mainly to “hunt” this magnificent and colorful predator-cichlid, the mighty Peacock Bass! This “hunt”, is an hard an tiring fishing, even if you are basking aboard a comfortable houseboat with all the modern conveniences, eight to ten hour casting in oppressive heat and steamy humidity, is very exhausting indeed, despite the fact the luckily, trophy peacock bass season coincides with the dry season! But never give up, with a bit of luck you could be rewarded with specimen like the ones I show you here, and still they are not the maximum sizes available. We are talking about 23 pounders, a fish that once hooked, it will remind you some of the wildest saltwater predators you
have ever caught! Yes they call “dry season”, but still you can expect massive thunderstorms which send down rain so hard you feel you are surrounded by concrete walls of water! It is simply tremendous to fish a place where you can see hundreds of pink dolphins swimming around you all day, sometimes stealing your released fish just in front of your eyes…when early in the morning you can hear screaming monkeys, when you can see thousands of parrots flying overhead, where the only encounter you have each day it is the houseboat waiting for you in a calm and secluded inland bay. Then you realize where this passion can drive you!!This is a place that 90% of humankind would consider hostile and dangerous…but for us, crazy anglers, it is a kind of playground where to realize a dream! And when the boat gently floats down the river back to Barcelos, and for the last time you are greeted by pink dolphins swimming around you, you’ll realize how lucky you are!!
In Extreme Danger This book written by a wellknown Cuban journalist Pedro DĂaz gives authentic testimonials from political prisoners of the Psychiatric Torture Centers of Castro’s Cuba, including details of the methods used to make political prisoners confess. The book also explains to the world how Doctors and Nurses were involved in these inhumane practices and became Cuban military executioners. The events described in this book are completely true. Price: $ 26.00 U.S.
Includes Shipping and Handling. When you buy this book printed in Spanish, you also can receive the digital version of this edition translated into English at no cost. Please send the author your email address.
786.506.2943
Buy it by calling You can pay by Pay Pal through
info@solymarmagazine.com
www.patfordphotos.com
New Tagging Research Reveals Remarkable Mako Shark Round-Trip Journey in High Resolution By John Bell Photo Scott Tindale
A satellite reporting tagging device know as a SPOT tag, attached to a shortfin mako shark dubbed “Carol” in New Zealand five months ago, is providing scientists with remarkable and previously unknown details of the timing and long-distance migratory movements of this species. The Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI) at Nova Southeastern University is collaborating with the New Zealand National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) on the tagging experiment with Carol the shortfin mako shark. The SPOT tag is revealing that Carol is spending a lot of time at the ocean’s surface, reporting her location to the satellite several times daily. “The unexpectedly frequent daily detections are providing us with a really high resolution view of the migration of this animal,” said GHRI Director Dr. Mahmood
Shivji. “We’ve found that Carol has traveled over 5,700 miles in five months, averaging 60 miles per day during some parts of her migration—and this is just a juvenile shark!”. To follow Carol’s travels on a GHRI interactive website go to: http://www.nova.edu/~johnmatt/makosharks.htm “Conventional identification tags tell us little about the timing of mako shark movements, the route that they take or distance traveled,” said Dr. Malcolm Francis, who is leading the NIWA effort on this study. “The SPOT tag, revealing Carol’s detailed travels from New Zealand to Fiji and back, shows theses sharks have an amazing internal navigation system that keeps them on course over long journeys.” Given the high fishing pressure on makos for their fins and meat, this species is showing declining population trends in parts of its range, which has resulted in the species being listed as “Vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Based on the amazing results from this initial trial, the GHRI and NIWA are expanding their mako migration study off New Zealand starting in January 2013, according to Dr. Shivji. The GHRI and Dr. Guy Harvey are also working with Captain Anthony Mendillo of Keen M International to compare the migratory patterns of mako sharks in the Atlantic by tagging them off the coast of Isla Mujeres, Mexico. About the Guy Harvey Research Institute at NSU: Established in 1999, the Guy Harvey Research Institute (GHRI) at NSU is a collaboration between the renowned marine artist, scientist and explorer, Dr. Guy Harvey, and Nova Southeastern University’s Oceanographic Center. The mission of the GHRI is to provide the scientific information necessary to understand, conserve, and effectively manage the world’s marine fishes and their ecosystems. The GHRI is one of only a handful of private organizations dedicated exclusively to the science-based conservation of marine fish populations and biodiversity. The research, education and outreach activities of the GHRI are supported by the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, AFTCO Inc., extramural research grants, philanthropic donations by private businesses and individuals, and NSU. http://www.nova.edu/ocean/ghri/index.html
Roberto Guerra, creator of La Caja China, was presented on the Show “Martha Stewart presents: Secrets of great chefs Grill” which aired popular show on the Hallmark channel and lasted 60 minutes, in Stewart’s farm in New York. The show was attended by Guerra and five renowned chefs, who created and cooked a special recipe of barbecue with Martha Stewart for a private holiday that it celebrated in his farm. “Has been a pleasure working with Martha Stewart.” “It is a very nice person who has all my respect and friendship,” said Roberto Guerra.
If your business is not in the internet, it does not exist. Do not continue your advertising of primitive form.
Ad ve rtise w it h d i gi tal creat i ve a d ve rtising through the internet on our magazine Sol y Mar Magazine! Contact us: www.solymarmagazine.com info@solymarmagazine.com
Pedro DĂaz
President and Editor of Sol y Mar Magazine Journalist, editor, writer. Graduated in journalism from the University of Havana, as well as in literature and Germanic languages. He has collaborated on numerous magazines and newspapers from over 15 countries. He has also served as the editor, journalistic director and president of six publications for which he has received international journalism awards. He graduated as a Naval Pilot from the Escuela Superior de Pesca AndrĂŠs Gonzalez Lines, in Cuba. He is also a graduate of the International School of Real Estate. In addition, he has been honored with Proclamations from Miami-Dade County, City of Miami Beach, City of Coral Gables, City of Hialeah Gardens, City of Miami, City of Doral, City of Hialeah, City of West Miami, Town of Medley, and Town of Miami Lakes.
Alberto Borges
Graphic Designer of Sol y Mar Magazine
A graduate of Chemical Engineering and Doctor of Technical Sciences. Technology specialist in glass and ceramics. Developer of several scientific papers related to the industry of glass and ceramics. Computer systems engineer.
Dr. Martín Aróstegui
Travel and Exploration Director of Sol y Mar Magazine Travel and Exploration Director of Sol y Mar Magazine He is a medical doctor by profession who, for many years, worked as a specialist in emergency medicine. His life has been devoted also to professional fishing. Dr. Aróstegui, member of the Board of Trustees of the International Game & Fishing Association (IGFA), is the holder of more than 400 fishing world records, including 200 with fly-fishing equipment, and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. Dr. Arostegui is also a professional photographer specializing in fishing and nature. He is currently the Director of Travel and Exploration for our magazine, for which he travels to different regions of the world to capture with his lens the most beautiful images that human eyes have ever seen.
Pat Ford
Angling Photographer
Pat Ford is considered the best sport fishing photographer in the United States of America. He graduated as a lawyer from the Columbia University School of Law in 1965. He is currently a senior litigation lawyer in the courts of Florida, as well as a photographer with a passion for fishing. Pat Ford has traveled extensively throughout the world and has won 32 world records in several fishing tournaments held by the IGFA. He is the author of “The Best Fly-Fishing Trips Money Can Buy” which tells about different places he would rather go fishing with a fly hook.
Nick Faroy
Aviator and Aerial Professional Photographer A pilot for many years, specializing in aerial photography. The perspective of buildings and man-made structures, coupled with an appreciation of nature, inspire him to capture on aerial photos what his eyes behold from above so that others may enjoy them, too. His preference is to take aerial photos of coastal locations because they have a visual impact that is very special to him from a professional point of view. For Nick Faroy, rock formations and marine life are, indeed a impressive and beautiful scenes worthy of admiration.
Enrico Ghedini
Angler and fishing writer
Enrico Ghedini was born in 1974 and lives in Bologna, Italy. He is a globetrotter angler and a fishing writer with passion. He has traveled the four continents. He is a lure and fly angler mainly, but he also likes bottom fishing and live baiting. Enrico fishes in freshwater in Europe and Italy, and in salt and freshwater when traveling to tropical locations to target specific species. Enrico is involved in www.insidefishing.it. Their main activity is to organize lure-fishing tournaments to promote recreational angling among young people and to promote catch and release as well as ethical fishing techniques.
MarĂa Julia Bello
Scientific Director of Sol y Mar Magazine
Information specialist for the Agency for Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration USA (NOAA). She has experience in scientific information, preparation of documents and scientific documentation, editing and reviewing scientific literature and finding information on specialized topics, among other things. She received a Masters in Biological Science from the University of Havana Cuba in 1980, a Masters in Marine Policy from theUniversity of Miami, Florida in 1997, as well as a Masters in Information from Florida State University in 1998.
Dirsia Vergara
Director of Marketing of Sol y Mar Magazine Specialist in accounting, real estate management, exports and sales monitoring. She has also taken accounting courses at FIU. She is passionate about the sea, reading, and her two children.
Clemente Atia
Professional diver underwater cameraman.
.
Writer, naturalist, artist and professional diver. He studied at the Cuban Naval Academy, been later part of the underwater search and rescue team. He worked at the National Aquarium of Cuba drawing fish for scientific publications worldwide. Creator and writer of the series of nature documentaries PROJECT 5, in the 80’s. He has also worked for different magazines and digital magazines on topics related to the sea and the environment. Cameraman, editor and specialist in underwater recordings have won four Emmy Awards. Favorite hobbies: stay under water, the investigation and search for lost treasures.
Steve Kantner
A freelance writer, editor, and fishing personality whose byline has appeared in Fly Rod & Reel, Salt Water Sportsman, Fly Fishing in Salt Waters and numerous other outdoor publications. Steve also worked as a guide, while hosting a drive-time radio show. Plus, he’s appeared in a number of television episodes that showcased his particular specialty—fly fishing from land for inshore species. Steve just finished a book titled Landcaptain; the Secrets of Fishing South Florida on Foot for Wild River Press that’s due out later this year.
Do you wish to publish your photos and videos in our magazine? Photos are visual reminders of important events. Sol y Mar Magazine offers professional photo and videos services covering multiple types of events, including weddings, birthdays, family reunions, business meetings and other events. We can also publish your photos and text in the social pages of our magazine. Please call for details 786-506-2943 or write to us at: info@solymarmagazine.com
Saving the Rainforest By Dr. MartĂn ArĂłstegui
Travel and Exploration Director of Sol y Mar Magazine My son Martini and I have visited the tropical rainforest of Suriname on multiple occasions. Our trips started as fishing adventures but soon evolved into photographic adventures aimed at admiring and documenting the beauty of this wilderness ecosystem. Suriname is a South American country that today still has 85% of its territory covered by virgin rainforest. On our adventures we have photographed multiple wild animals that encompass some of the great biodiversity in this region. Rainforests are imperative to the health of our planet. They promote and sustain biodiversity of plants and animals. Rainforest plants have been found to posses medicinal qualities of great importance to medical science. The abundant vegetation in rainforests help in recycling and release of oxygen and sequestration of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that is partly responsible for global warming. Rainforests around the planet are being destroyed by human activities, such as deforestation, mining and human encroachment, in the name of progress. These actions truly threaten the overall health of our planet. We encourage all of our readers to learn more about the importance of preserving the rainforests. Martini and I took these photographs during our visits to the Kabalebo Nature Resort in Suriname. www.kabalebo.com
The most modern and inn maritime
1
MARINE CLEANING PRODUCTS ALSO GREAT FOR HOMES & VEHICLES
When marine cleaning products deliver high quality results, many boaters wonder if they can safely use those products in their homes or on their vehicles and RVs. Shurhold Industries’ offers gear that is safe for use on more than a boat. Due to their versatility, these products end up saving users money in the long run. Brite Wash is environmentally friendly and perfect for cleaning dirt, grease and salt. This is a great car, boat and RV soap. www.shurhold.com
novative technology of the e industry
2
100 AMP SHORE POWER DEVICES STAND UP TO MOTHER NATURE
Ship-to-shore power devices are always stuck out in the elements, subjected to heat, cold, rain, snow or corrosive salt spray. Hubbell Marine offers a high-quality line of 100 amp pin and sleeve plugs, connector bodies and components designed to withstand damaging marine conditions. Hubbell Marine’s shore power inlets use a spring-loaded, gasketed cover that automatically closes when not in use, creating a weatherproof seal. Locking the cover makes it watertight. Inside, nickel-plated, solid brass pins ensure a reliable electrical contact. A high-impact thermo set contact carrier is resistant to arcing and overheating to enhance safety. Terminals are clearly marked for simple installation. Rugged connector bodies are made from Zytel, a super-tough nylon, and can be attached to cords from 1” to 1.94”. Various models connect to shore power inlets, extension cords or adapters. A gasketed locking ring ensures watertight connections. Large external cable grips protect wiring from conductor movement and resulting terminal strain. Compatible with existing cables, they simplify replacement of worn-out fittings. C o n t a c t : w w w. hubbell-marine.com
3
GYRO STEADIES BENETEAU 52 FOR DEEP-SEA EXPLORATION
Divers using sophisticated sonar require a stable boat to gather the clearest images. To steady a Beneteau 52 ST, Seakeeper’s Turkish distributor, Marina Deniz Araclari, refitted the Swift Trawler with a powerful M7000A gyro. The decision to install a Seakeeper M7000A gyro was easy, but installation posed challenges. With creativity and ingenuity, Marina Deniz came up with the perfect solution. Because the gyro is a torque device, the team had a choice of several locations. Specifically designed for easy installation, Seakeeper’s M7000A actively stabilizes vessels with displacements up 30 tons. With an angular momentum of 7,000 Newton meters per second at 9,700 rpm, the gyro works equally well at anchor, zero-speed and while underway. Marina Deniz Araclari Group was established in 1972, in Istanbul, as a company providing technical assistance to small to medium sized yachts in Fenerbahce Marina. www.seakeeper.com
4
SPORTY WATERCRAFT OFFERS INEXPENSIVE ON-WATER FUN
Delivering affordable boating fun, AquaQuad’s Classic Sport, CLS, is a dynamic, rigid inflatable watercraft ideal for personal boating pursuits or rental applications. Easy to maintain, its striking design and numerous applications make this sporty watercraft extremely enjoyable and simple to use. The CLS is durable and easy to maintain even in the most demanding of conditions, and offers a smooth, comfortable ride at any speed. Due to the CLS’s incredibly efficient power to weight ratio, economical performance and high level of stability, this 10’ boat is ideal for wave running, fishing, trawling, harbor patrols, rescue activities and as a tender on yachts. It’s also suitable for use on sheltered waters, estuaries, dams and rivers. www.aquaquad.com
5
SEAKEEPER SEES LONG FUTURE WITH HEESEN YACHTS
Until recently, Heesen Yachts had not considered gyro stabilization. But after a memorable sea trial in July 2011, the management team was so impressed they expect to be working with Seakeeper well into the future. In fact, the Heesen hull YN 16465, a 65m yacht due for completion late 2012, will also feature Seakeeper’s stabilization system. M21000 gyros are designed for larger vessels; Seakeeper is working with yachts up to 65m. The gyros’ powerful righting torque device is easily installed with no thru-hull fittings. The tenth yacht in the leading Dutch builder’s 37m class is available for charter in the Mediterranean during the summer and the Caribbean in the winter. www.seakeeper.com
6
TORQEEDO POWER PLANES WEST MARINE TENDER
For the first time, West Marine is launching an inflatable tender powered by Torqeedo’s Cruise 4.0 Tiller electric outboard and two Power 26-104 lithium manganese batteries. With this advanced propulsion package, the 12’ hypalon yacht tender planes and speeds through the water at 15.5 mph. Perfect for boats up to 6 tons, Torqeedo’s Cruise 4.0 Tiller electric outboard operates on 48V with 8-9.9 hp. It weighs only 40 lbs. A durable and robust drive train provides superior power and range from limited battery capacities. Fully waterproof to IP67 standards, the Cruise 4.0 Tiller model is great for both fresh and salt water. The tiller display shows information regarding battery charge status, remaining range, speed over ground and input power. www.torqeedo.com
Do you wish to publish your photos and videos in our magazine? Photos are visual reminders of important events. Sol y Mar Magazine offers professional photo and videos services covering multiple types of events, including weddings, birthdays, family reunions, business meetings and other events. We can also publish your photos and text in the social pages of our magazine. Please call for details 786-506-2943 or write to us at: info@solymarmagazine.com
Viernes Culturales/Cultural Friday
A monthly arts & culture street festival and gallery stroll in Little Havana’s cultural district taking place the last Friday of every month. Take the free walking tour of Little Havana with legendary local historian Dr. Paul George, arts fair with local painters, sculptors and artisans along Calle Ocho (SW 8th Street) between 12th & 17th Avenues and a variety of galleries, restaurants and entertainment venues.
7:00 - 11:00 pm Domino Park, 804 SW 15th Ave, Miami, Fl 33135 Office and art gallery: Futurama Building 1637 SW 8th St. Miami, FL 33135 305.643.5500 info@viernesculturales.org
Little Havana Art Walk
Join us for the second Friday of every calendar month for Little Havana Art Walk. It promised an evening embracing Little Havana’s art, dining and entertainment.
Mariners, lifeguards, anonymous heroes!!! A story By Maria Bello and Fernando Morlans  The beautiful beaches of Cuba have historically attracted many swimmers who attended both public beaches and private clubs as Marianao beaches (the Yacht Club, the Spanish Casino, Havana Yacht Club and Conch among others, that while it was public beach the second floor belonged to the Bank subsequently moved to Santa Maria del Mar). Many of these clubs acquired other names after the Castro revolution as the military club, now called Abreu Fontan.
The so-called “Mariners” identified by their shirts and white shorts with the logo of the club to which they belonged and a sailor hat, were responsible for maintaining order and allegedly responsible for the rescue of drowning. The rescue was to throw a lifeline attached to a rope and fight with the victim to get him to safety, none was thrown overboard. Among arise años1961-1962 the first organized efforts were used, combining rescue methods known
as “grips” and artificial resuscitation methods that at the time were: Holger Nielsen, Chaffer Pron, Sylvester and Balance, the mouth to mouth did not apply calling it “anti-hygienic.” Flat, Mario Masip, Gustavo Radcliff, and Lt. Juan Alvarez Forteza, were some of the pioneers of that time. The first two courses of “Lifeguard”, as they began to call, were made in “The Commodore”, later in Guanabo was created the Lifesaving school at Maruja González residence’s a Spanish dancer of the time that emigrated. With
the creation of the Lifeguard School, the recovery techniques were improved, approving mouth to mouth resuscitation, the use of “non-oropharynx cannulas return”, avoiding being bitten by the victim, as the only country where the Lifeguard melee to save someone’s life was Cuba. Since then and to date there have been numerous “Lifeguard courses”, having created a culture of bailout extended to the whole country that has allowed these “unsung heroes” rescued many lives and offered security to swimmers. Of course you cannot omit characters that influenced this “Lifeguard School” as a reality “Veguita”, “Cadin”, “Guito” Dr. Cesar Bello, Arrondo, etc. Lifeguards of those generations have come together in exile as “Lifeguard Free of Cuba”. This group meets regularly in Virginia Beach, Miami, is open to all and aims to bring together old and new generations, remembering stories and keep alive the memory of having had the privilege of saving many lives.
Jimmy Cornell unveils new world rally
Raising awareness of the effects of climate change is something that sailors understand better than anyone else, especially on the oceans Author and photographer: Jimmy Cornell The Blue Planet Odyssey is a round the world sailing event aimed at raising awareness of the global effects of climate change by calling at the most endangered islands in every ocean: San Blas in the Atlantic Ocean; Tuvalu, Tokelau, Tuamotus, Micronesia, Kiribati and the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean; the Maldives and Andaman Islands in the Indian Ocean. This global event will also highlight the effects of climate change on the Arctic icecap, the Great Barrier Reef and the Galapagos Islands, all of which lie on the Blue Planet Odyssey
route. On a personal level, the start of the Blue Planet Odyssey will mark 40 years of my cruising life. My first Aventura was launched in London on 20 July 1974 and the Blue Planet Odyssey will start from London on 20 July 2014. During these four eventful decades I have sailed to some of the remotest parts of the globe and have been privileged to encounter some of the most isolated communities. Therefore I have decided that for me the Blue Planet Odyssey will be payback time. I want to show my gratitude to those people all over the world who have welcomed me, as well as countless other sailors, with warmth, friendship and generosity. As this Odyssey calls at places where people’s lives are already affected by
climate change, we want them to know that cruising sailors care for them and empathise with their concerns. Following the start in London on July 20, 2014, the Blue Planet Odyssey will have separate starts in every continent. The Blue Planet Odyssey will sail westabout around the world along the classic trade wind route via the Panama Canal and Torres Strait. Those who prefer to sail a more challenging route will have the option of a northern route via the Northwest Passage or a southern route via Easter Island. As the route will pass through some of the least travelled parts of the oceans, arrangements are being made for oceanographic institutes and research centres to use this unique opportunity to receive environmental data gathered by participants, as pioneered by the SSCA’s Clean Wake projects. The event will also reach out to children worldwide by way of a comprehensive educational programme. Books
and educational material will be delivered to places en route where local schools will have the opportunity to be twinned with schools in the country of origin of the participants. At every stop at those endangered places, the sailors will take part in community projects such as building wind and solar powered desalination plants. Participants with specialist skills will take part in local projects and carry out essential repair and maintenance work. Over eighty other sailors have already expressed their intention of taking part in this unique event. Their boats are as diverse as their ages, but one common thread which runs through almost all forms is the determination to use this opportunity to make their own contribution to saving our planet. www.BluePlanetOdyssey.com www.Facebook.com/BluePlanetOdyssey.com