Blue Planet
Issue 1 • April 2013
Tokelau And Tuvalu Two of the most endangered island groups
Northwest Passage A challenge to overcome Navigating the once impenetrable waterway to highlight the effects of climate change
Cornell Sailing A rich history of international sailing events
The Oceans – Our Heritage for the Future
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2 • Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013
Welcome
Logbook 04 Message from OceansWatch
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the first edition of the Blue Planet
Log, the official publication of the Blue Planet Odyssey. Our magazine
06 Message from Tokelau
will feature news about the event, articles on the countries to be
visited, reports from participants, information about our educational and scientific programs and much more. In this first issue we are featuring two of the most endangered island groups, Tokelau and Tuvalu. Sailors are closer to nature than most people and probably there is no other section of the population who is more aware of, and concerned about, the effects of climate change than the sailing community. This explains the enthusiasm with which our event has been greeted by sailors from all over the world.
Inspiring sailors to make a difference One small nation leads the way
08 Tuvalu and Tokelau
Endangered Pacific nations
10 Tuvalu – Mo Te Atua
A personal view of apocalypse
12 The Blue Planet Odyssey
An overview
14 Educational Program
The younger generation have their say
15 The Green Machine It is now 15 years since a fleet of 36 yachts carried around the globe the
message of the Expo 98 world exhibition “The oceans – a heritage for
16 Scientific Program
the future”. In the intervening years the state of the oceans, and of the
An environmental club in school
planet generally, has continued to deteriorate and that message is now
more relevant than ever. As this idea reflects our concern for the future
18 Blue Planet Odyssey
of the oceans we have decided to adopt it as our own. By carrying this message, the Blue Planet Odyssey will endeavour to transmit its urgency to children throughout the world by a wide-ranging educational program. This idea has attracted an enthusiastic response both from countries on our route and some of our participants. It promises to be the best way to achieve our aims and this is where we shall focus our efforts.
Contributing to the knowledge of our oceans Route map
20 The North West Passage
A challenge to overcome
26 The Odyssey
A true family affair
28 Blue Planet Odyssey
Confirmed participants
31 Cornell Sailing I have been inspired and encouraged by the interest shown in the Blue
A brief history of events
Planet Odyssey by my grandchildren and, from the other side of the globe, Foua Toloa expresses his own concerns for his grandchildren. It is indeed this new generation who shall inherit the earth. This resonates
Next issue: July 2013
with the Tokelauan ancestral lament he quotes:
•
Endangered islands: San Blas, Kiribati and Andaman
Tui e!
Tui wake up!
Te ata kua kakau
Wake up as dawn has broken
•
Lanzarote: UNESCO biosphere reserve
E laga kita ko te fanau
We must wake up because of our children
Aue te alofa e faigata
Oh, our endless love for them causes
•
London and Kristiansand logistics
so much pain
•
Associated schools
•
Offshore communications
•
Lessons from previous round the world events
Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013 • 3
The Blue Planet Odyssey and OceansWatch have many similar goals
Chris Bone
Message from
OceansWatch OceansWatch is here to facilitate; to help the world’s cruisers to make a positive difference on their journey
Hello to all participants in the Blue Planet Odyssey. I am privileged to be asked to contribute to the first edition of your magazine and thought I would do so by writing an introduction about the organisation I helped form. The Blue Planet Odyssey and OceansWatch (www.oceanswatch.org) have many similar goals so it’s fitting that we get to know each other. The Blue Planet Odyssey team and I are exploring ways we can work together to make a positive difference in the world, whilst we all enjoy our mutual passion, sailing. I have been sailing all my life, arriving in the Pacific 25 years ago on a delivery to New Zealand. I skippered for Greenpeace for a few years then ran a yacht delivery company, which took me to many beautiful Pacific islands. Like many cruisers I had a vision of unspoilt islands and happy local folk living an ideal lifestyle. This image gradually faded as I saw the reality. I first noticed all the pollution, then the lack of food and drinking water in some islands, I saw how cultures were being undermined by western influence and how our “Aid” was undermining self-reliance and disempowering people.
4 • Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013
I had a vision of unspoilt islands and happy local folk” I remember the day I decided to start
company to sell fish food. I also realised,
with. We are not an Aid organisation, we
OceansWatch, sitting around a cooking
after hearing how people walked uphill
help empower and build the capacity
fire with new friends in Papua New
for an hour every day to fetch water, that
of communities to help themselves. We
Guinea. In a few days I had seen three
a simple gravity feed system would free
blend our scientific knowledge with
examples of wasted Aid money, an AIDS
the village women from 2 hours daily
traditional ecosystem knowledge to
clinic that no one would visit because
drudgery.
develop fisheries management plans for
it had been built by the main road
I chatted to a few friends about my
a sustainable future. We honour local
and people were too ashamed to be
ideas, we soon found that we had similar
culture and work in the communities,
seen going in; a diesel generator for
concerns and realised that the world’s
helping them realise their dreams, not
the hospital that had rusted beyond
10,000 cruisers were a huge resource
what outsiders think they need!
repair because the Aid agency had not
that could be harnessed to help, and
We hope that we can help you realise
shown anyone how to maintain it; and
at the same time give purpose and
your dreams for a better world too.
an abandoned fish farm that no one was
direction for people who care. We formed
taught how to manage.
OceansWatch and within a few months
Chris Bone is a professional yacht skipper
I thought to myself “I know how to
were donated a yacht by someone who
and runs a yacht delivery company -
maintain that generator, I understand
shared our vision.
Pacific Yacht Deliveries. He has been an
why no one visits that AIDS clinic and I
OceansWatch is here to facilitate; to
environmental activist for many years,
can see that a fisheries management plan
help the world’s cruisers to make a
including two years as a skipper for
would serve the needs of this community
positive difference on their journey. We
Greenpeace on the yacht Vega.
far better than a fish farm” which it turns
will share our knowledge with you and
out was just a scam for an overseas
develop programs that you can help
Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013 • 5
Despite the impacts that climate change has had on Tokelau, our nation has not sat back and accepted its plight without action” Aliki Faipule Foua Toloa
Message from
Tokelau In the middle of the Pacific Ocean lies a cluster of some tiny atolls named Tokelau
I
ts total land mass is about 12 km2 with the highest point
As a consequence of the elevated sea temperature, our reefs are
only 3 metres above sea level. It is home to about 1500
stressed, causing coral bleaching within our lagoons. The corals
inhabitants. Its nearest neighbour is Samoa, which lies
are noticeably in poor health, which has affected the quantity
about 300 miles south of the most southern of the atolls,
and quality of food supply for our inshore fish population. The
Fakaofo, the island I call home.
life cycles of our inshore fish are also affected by the extreme
Tokelau like other small low lying atolls is very susceptible to
weather conditions, which have seen a decrease in the number
any changes in sea level and to the effects on sea temperature
and gradual disappearance of some species of fish from
as a consequence of climate change from increasing emissions
the lagoon. Our food supply, with fish as our main source of
of greenhouse gases. Surrounded by sea, Tokelau relies heavily
sustenance, is threatened.
on the provisions from this resource for food. Its Exclusive
The changes to Tokelau and her surrounding environs, as a
Economic Zone is its only source of revenue.
consequence of global warming, make it more and more difficult
For tiny atoll nations such as Tokelau, the impacts of climate
for her inhabitants to live sustainably. And though we do not
change are a way of life. Tokelau contends with more cyclones
want to consider it, our small island homes may no longer exist
and storm surges than ever before. The cyclones and storm
in the near future. With the loss of our lands, we will lose our
surges are more intense and occur more often. The impact
culture, our traditions and our language.
of this is evident as our beaches and shores erode and some
Despite the impacts that climate change has had on Tokelau,
species of plants no longer flourish due to the high saline levels
our nation has not sat back and accepted its plight without
of our soil. The storm surges leave salt on the land; without rain,
action. In October 2012, the Tokelau Renewable Energy Project
this crystallises, hardening the soil. A large quantity of rainwater
(TREP) Stage One was completed, whereby electricity needs for
is necessary to flush it out. This threatens the production of
the three atolls are met with an off-grid solar energy system.
crops that we can grow such as coconuts and pandanus. The
Stage One of this project allows for 93% of total electricity
extreme weather conditions we are experiencing, with an
production through solar energy, making Tokelau number one in
increasing number of hot days during the year and unusually
per-person reduction in greenhouse gas emission in the world
high temperatures during times of the year when we normally
and fulfilling its global obligation. Stage Two will involve the
expect cooler temperatures, have caused droughts and affected
production and use of renewable fuel to provide the other 7%
the health of the more vulnerable groups of our population.
of electricity needs.
6 • Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013
Stage One has cost Tokelau NZ$ 8.4m.
if they are not willing to turn off their
The urgency necessary to reverse the
New Zealand has advanced $7m of
carbon dioxide taps, at least they should
damage being caused by climate change
this cost to Tokelau which is to be
keep the ocean healthy in every other
on the high seas, which seems out of
repaid over four years. In the meantime,
way – robust fish stocks, clean water and
sight and is therefore out of mind, is the
Tokelau is looking for donors to assist
protections for marine life. These are all
challenge being taken on by the Global
with Stage Two. This involves replacing
things that science tells us can soften the
Ocean Commission.
electrical appliances with more energy-
impacts of climate change.
Congratulations to the Blue Planet
efficient products, and also establishing
Oceans make up 71% of the Earth’s
Odyssey for having that vision for the
the infrastructure necessary to produce
surface, and the high seas provide
future of the planet and of our children.
renewable
fuel
from
coconuts
to
resources such as food and minerals.
“May the four winds fill our sails with
complement the solar energy system.
They are key to global trade, and
peace, safety and comfort in preparing
This project, while costly, has put Tokelau
maintain essential ecosystem services
for this event!”
on the map. TREP is Tokelau’s way of
including the production of oxygen. It is
telling the world that while it may be one
scientifically estimated that up to 50%
Aliki Faipule Foua Toloa is a political
of the smallest nations, it can still make
of the earth’s oxygen is produced by the
leader of the Tokelau Fakaofo (Council).
its contribution towards decreasing the
oceans. The ocean also acts to absorb
He was Ulu o Tokelau (Titular Head) in
global emissions of greenhouse gases. It
carbon dioxide; but that is making the
2009 and 2011 and served as Minister
is the principle of the matter. If a nation
water more acidic.
of Finance, Transport and Energy from
with an annual GDP equivalent to a
These facts, while mind boggling, still
2008 – 2012. He is a member of the
fraction of the fees earned by directors of
do not stir up enough concern for world
Global Ocean Commission, an international
small businesses in developed countries
leaders to act in ways necessary to
independent task force working to address
can do this, shame on those nations
address the underlying issues. I want my
threats to the oceans. The GOC will publish
and their leaders for not doing what
grandchildren and future generations
its final recommendations in 2014, shortly
needs to be done so that our future
of my family to enjoy the same benefits
before the UN General Assembly begins
generations have the benefits of our
that my generation has enjoyed from the
discussions on protecting the high seas
environment that we currently enjoy. And
oceans.
biodiversity.
Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013 • 7
One of
Tokelau Pulled out of the sea while fishing
T
the least visited countries in the South Pacific
okelau lies just north of
each island having a separate local
southeast trade winds. Tokelau is at the
Samoa and consists of three
government. External affairs are run
northern edge of the main hurricane belt,
small low coral atolls: Atafu,
by the Tokelau Liaison office in Apia,
but tropical storms sometimes sweep
Nukunonu, and Fakaofo. One
Western Samoa. There are no harbour
through between November and April.
of the least visited countries in the South
facilities and you can only anchor in
In recent years Tokelau has experienced
Pacific, only a few yachts make their way
the lee of the reef. The anchorage due
three cyclones and this increase in
to this isolated group of atolls, which lack
west of Fakaofo Islet is exposed to the
cyclone activity seems to be related to
natural harbours and for most of the year
southeast trade winds, and fairly often
climate change.
are completely cut off from the outside
conditions are not suitable for anchoring.
world.
An alternative anchorage, recommended
Polynesian legend says that the Maui
by islanders, is northwest of the island,
brothers pulled the three islands out
off Fenua Fala Islet. Channels have been
of the sea while fishing. The islands
blasted into each lagoon and they are
were populated by Polynesians about
accessible by dinghy. There is no airport.
1,000 years ago and were rarely visited
Every island has a radio station, clinic and
by the outside world until the 1840s.
a store selling some staple foodstuffs,
In 1889 Britain claimed jurisdiction
mostly imported.
over them, but in 1925 administration
The climate is tropical, with little variation
was transferred to New Zealand, an
from the 28°C/82°F annual average
arrangement that continues to this day.
temperature. From May to September the
There is no administrative centre, with
islands are under the influence of the
8 • Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013
Tuvalu nine low-lying coral atolls These islands are now facing the tragic prospect of being one of the first victims of the current climate change
F
ormerly the Ellice Islands, the name ‘Tuvalu’ means
have been plans to open passes into some of the other lagoons,
‘cluster of eight’ although the group in fact consists
this is unlikely to happen.
of nine low-lying coral atolls. Only eight of them
The population is 10,000. Tuvaluans are Polynesians, and both
were inhabited when the name was chosen, but a
Tuvaluan and English are spoken. Funafuti is the capital. There
small community now lives on previously uninhabited Niulakita,
is an airport and flights three times a week from Fiji, but these
the southernmost island of the archipelago. The islands lie just
are often unreliable. Income comes from fishing rights, sale
below the equator and west of the International Dateline. With
of postage stamps and most lucratively, from leasing Tuvalu’s
a total land area of only 26 sq km (11 sq miles), Tuvalu is one of
internet domain suffix .tv
the smallest countries in the world, spread out in half a million
Tuvalu lies within the tradewind zone, but on the edge of the
square miles of ocean. These islands are now facing the tragic
South Pacific equatorial doldrum zone. Prevailing winds are from
prospect of being one of the first victims of the current climate
the easterly quarter but in most years, from December to March,
change. The rising ocean level is already affecting the main
winds between the west and north usually exceed the easterlies
island of Funafuti, which has been flooded on several recent
in frequency. Tuvalu lies on the northern edge of the tropical
occasions, and it is now predicted that all the islands will be
storm belt and occasionally severe cyclones strike the islands,
submerged before the end of this century.
as did cyclone Ofa in February 1990. Temperatures are uniformly
The first inhabitants arrived about two thousand years ago,
high all year round, with the mean annual temperature of
mostly from Samoa, but also from Tonga and Uvea (Wallis).
28°C/82°F.
The northern islands, especially Nui, were populated from Micronesia. A society under the leadership of chiefs developed, and customs and traditions akin to Samoa remain today. The first European sighting of the islands was in 1765. There was little other contact until the nineteenth century when slave traders, known as blackbirders, took hundreds of islanders to work in Peru, Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii and Australia. The islands became a British Protectorate and then part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands colony. After a referendum in 1975, the Ellice Islands separated from the Gilberts and became Tuvalu, achieving full independence in 1978. With the exception of the island of Funafuti, yachts rarely visit the other islands. Although some only have precarious anchorages in the lee of a fringing reef, the lagoon is accessible in at least two islands, at Nukufetau and Nanumea, where visiting yachts are always warmly greeted. A similar welcome awaits sailors at any of the other islands, and although there
Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013 • 9
do this on the occasion of the 25th
Marianne Aschenbrenner
Tuvalu
anniversary of Tuvalu’s independence. We arrived in the capital Funafuti in the midst of preparations for a big Polynesian feast to celebrate the birth of their free nation on 1 October 1978. On that day,
mo te atua
Toalipi Lauti, the first prime minister
Tuvalu for the Lord
also a future free of concerns. But 25
of independent Tuvalu, had promised his people not only a return to their traditional self-sufficient way of life but years later, Tuvalu had changed beyond imagination.
T
Soon after we arrived, the planned uvalu mo te atua is the
of the Pacific stemmed from a previous
festivities had to be scaled down as a
motto of the world’s second
voyage when I had sailed with Jimmy and
high swell brought on by hurricane force
smallest nation, a group of
Ivan from Tahiti to Hawaii. On the way we
winds was pouring large amounts of
nine Pacific atolls spread out
called at the Line Islands, which are just
water onto the unprotected island. Even
like a string of pearls just south of the
as threatened as Tuvalu by the effects of
the plane bringing official guests from
equator.
climate change.
other Pacific nations could not land. To
It is now 12 years since Jimmy Cornell,
My subsequent visit to Tuvalu in 2002
make matters worse, the storm coincided
who had visited Tuvalu on three separate
convinced me that I had to do everything
with one of the highest recorded spring
occasions, drew my attention to a brief
in my power to support Tuvalu by drawing
tides, the wall of water crashing over
report, which warned of the imminent
the attention of the international media
the island covering it to a depth of half
disappearance of the islands. The news
to its plight. As an editor at Bavarian
a metre. The seawater seeped through
that this tiny nation might be the first
TV, I managed to secure the support of
the porous coral slabs and contaminated
victim of climate change made a deep
the ARTE channel as well as of my own
both the water table and the little soil
impression on me, and I decided to find
broadcaster to produce a documentary
that was used for farming, thus putting an
out if that statement was indeed true.
about the threatened island nation. We
end to any future crops. The apocalyptic
My deep affection for the gentle people
decided that it would be symbolic to
swell generated by the otherwise gentle
10 • Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013
when our cameraman first saw this tragic scene unfold before him, and had to stop filming as he burst out in tears. Many Tuvaluans have now emigrated, and others plan to follow their example. Threatened by the rising sea levels, they want to protect their community and children by trying to secure a piece of land in one of the neighbouring nations. Helpless before the effects of climate change, their only support is their strong belief in God, they do not expect help from elsewhere. But on their own they are doomed, as they dare not set off for new lands, as their ancestors did to settle Pacific filled the islanders with dread:
That landing strip still runs through
these islands originally.
their age-long trust in the ocean forever
the middle of the island, its widest part
And yet, now that the Blue Planet Odyssey
lost.
having been permanently concreted over.
may lead me once again to Tuvalu, as
No one in Tuvalu, neither its people nor
The inhabitants had no choice but to
well to some other Pacific island nations,
climatologists, have any doubt that the
resettle on the edges thus being fully
which should not be forgotten either, I
destruction of their islands is caused by
exposed to the sea. The problem of those
refuse to give up hope that some solution,
climate change. Nor does anyone in Tuvalu
Borrow pits is that they were meant
however small, can still be found to save
believe anymore in the scientists’ earlier
to drain excess water from the runway
those most wonderful people.
prediction that the archipelago still had a
but instead had washed away most of
century before disappearing beneath the
the topsoil, and with it the vegetation
Marianne Aschenbrenner is senior editor at
waves. Even more threatening than the
that helped stabilise the land. There is
Bavarian Television. She is planning to put
rising sea level are the so-called Borrow
now hardly any land left between the
together a film crew to record the progress
pits. These are deep shafts bored into the
ocean on one side and the lagoon on the
of the Blue Planet Odyssey. Marianne is
coral ground during the Second World
other, with nothing to check the crashing
Jimmy Cornell’s niece.
War by the US military to build a runway.
swell. I shall never forget the moment
Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013 • 11
The
Oceans Our heritage for the future
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 some of the most endangered islands: San Blas Islands in the Atlantic Ocean; Tuvalu, Tokelau, Tuamotus, Micronesia, Kiribati and the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean; the Maldive and Andaman Islands in the Indian Ocean. This global sailing event will also endeavour to 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. The route of the Blue Planet Odyssey has been chosen to take advantage of the most favourable weather conditions and to pass through some of the most attractive cruising areas in the world. The route also includes stops or detours to some of the areas where the effects of climate change are already affecting the lives of their populations.
12 • Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013
E
Entries The Blue Planet Odyssey is open to sailing monohulled and multihulled yachts with a minimum LOA of 40 ft (12.19 m). The maximum
E
Educational programs The Blue Planet Odyssey will reach out to children in the countries of the participants and those in the places to be visited by inviting
LOA of multihulls is 60 ft (18.29 m). At the discretion of the
their schools to be associated with this global event and follow
organisers, yachts which do not fit into the above description
its progress around the world. Virtual classes will be held in
may join the Blue Planet Odyssey if it is considered that their
places along its route and will be beamed by satellite to schools
participation would contribute to the objectives of the event or
associated with the Blue Planet Odyssey.
may be beneficial for practical considerations.
R
Route The Blue Planet Odyssey will sail westabout around the world along the classic trade wind route via the Panama Canal and Torres Strait.
This southern route is the main route and is expected to attract
S
Scientific programs As the route will pass through some of the least travelled parts of the oceans, arrangements are being made with oceanographic institutes
and research centres to use this unique opportunity to receive environmental data gathered by participants.
the majority of participants. Whether starting from Europe, North America, South America or South Africa, the section from the Caribbean to Gibraltar, will be common to all boats sailing the southern route. For those who prefer to sail a more challenging route, there will be the option of a northern route. This route includes a transit of the Northwest Passage (for both
C
Community projects At every stop at those endangered places, the sailors will take part in community projects, while participants with specialist skills will
the 2014 and 2015 starts) and a winter crossing of the North
take part in local projects and carry out essential repair and
Pacific for the 2015 starts from both Europe and North America
maintenance work.
(east and west coast). There will be several alternative routes or detours along the main route of the Blue Planet Odyssey. Some will call at endangered islands that are off the main route and because of their location can only accommodate a small number of boats and visitors, while other detours will give participants the option of visiting more remote destinations, such as Easter Island.
S
Starts Participants will be able to start from a port on their own continent or join the event at the nearest point along its route. European
participants sailing the southern route will start from London in July 2014. On the way to the Canary Islands they will stop at several ports before crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean before continuing to Panama and the Pacific Ocean. The main route will be joined at certain points by participants who have started from Rio de Janeiro, Cape Town, New York, Miami, Vancouver, San Francisco, San Diego, Sydney or Shanghai.
Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013 • 13
Doina Cornell
Educational program
Each participating boat will adopt at least one school from their own country
O
ne of the key parts of
opportunity to discover what it is like
or endangered islands. Information on
the Blue Planet Odyssey
to sail around the world as a child
the scientific research projects being
will be its educational
and visit some of the most remote and
undertaken by the participating yachts,
program, linking schools
endangered parts of our planet.
as well as the community projects, will be
along the route and giving children and
Prior to the start of the event in 2014
regularly shared via the website, social
young people around the world a unique
links will be set up between schools,
media, and newsletters.
opportunity to learn about the current
and where possible members of the Blue
After the Blue Planet Odyssey finishes,
state of our oceans through the eyes of
Planet Odyssey team and/or participants
as each participating boat completes
the islanders and sailors who know the
will visit schools and give presentations.
its circumnavigation and returns to its
seas better than anyone.
During the event, from 2014 to 2017, up
home port, the sailors will return to their
Schools on the route will have the
to date information on the Blue Planet
adopted schools and give a presentation
opportunity to communicate with each
Odyssey’s progress around the world will
to the pupils who have followed the
other as well as with schools in the
be available in a number of forms: via
event around the world.
countries of origin of the participants.
our website and social media, from video
Each participating boat will adopt at
‘viewsletters’ uploaded to the internet, as
least one school from their own country.
well as electronic newsletters. Schools
The Blue Planet Odyssey website, social
will be able to follow the participating
media and other accessible technology
boats via the website as each boat will
such as Skype will be used to maximise
be fitted with a satellite tracker device
contacts between schools.
for automatic updates on their positions.
There will be several families with
Participants will visit schools en route and
school age children sailing in the
this will link into the community projects
Blue Planet Odyssey, which will give
that will be undertaken by participants
pupils in participating schools a unique
in many places, especially the remote
14 • Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013
The
Green Machine Nera Cornell
An environmental club in school
T
Current generation of adults should do something about climate change because it’s their descendants who will be affected by their actions
he Blue Planet Odyssey seems like a really good idea as it will bring everything and everyone together to help try and stop climate
change. I am hoping I can travel through the Northwest Passage with my grandfather Jimmy, which I am really looking forward to. I want to go through because firstly, it makes a point and shows exactly what climate change has already done to Earth as that passage has been iced over so long and now because of us it is melting for a few months every year. Secondly, I am really interested in the Arctic and all its wildlife and when I am older I want to become an Arctic conservationist. I think that the current generation of adults should do something about climate change because it’s their descendants who will be affected by their actions. I think that this isn’t
Members of the Green Machine with Nera on the right
fair so we should do something about it. My
school
has
environmental
an club
called Green Machine and we are hopefully going to twin up with another school around the world. Maybe you should schools
see
if
would
your be
interested to twin up as spreading the word to non-sailing families would be great for our cause.
Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013 • 15
Pablo Aguilera and Shaun Dolk with drifter buoy ready to be shipped Doina Cornell
Blue Planet Odyssey
Scientific Program
T
he oceans are the last wild frontiers of our planet,
Climate Information
and despite their health being vital to the planet’s wellbeing, scientists admit that there is still much they
NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration)
do not know about the state of the seas. Who better
is interested in involving vessels in deploying a number
then to help expand that knowledge than sailors, who voyage
of drifter buoys in some rarely frequented areas along the
across some of the most remote areas of the oceans? The idea
Blue Planet Odyssey route. In recent years, NOAA has been
of using sailors to help gather scientific data is an integral part
deploying an array of satellite-tracked surface drifter buoys to
of the Blue Planet Odyssey’s vision, and one that participants
gather information on ocean currents, sea surface temperature,
have responded to with great enthusiasm. Several research and
atmospheric pressure, winds and salinity. The data is needed for
scientific institutions around the world have already expressed
climate predictions as well as climate research and monitoring.
an interest in using the opportunity provided by the Blue Planet
Damage to some of these buoys when being launched from
Odyssey to develop or expand some of their research projects.
large ships has sparked NOAA’s interest in a more gentle
Participants will have a choice of projects they want to get
deployment from smaller sailing vessels. One area where they
involved with, depending on the particular route they are
want to deploy drifter buoys is in the Northwest Passage, which
taking and their own interests. Consideration is being paid to
has significant implications for global climate conditions.
ways in which sailors can be involved in such projects with as little impact as possible on normal navigation routines.
Pollution
This can be achieved by installing special devices on the hull or in the seawater water intake that can be used to monitor
Plastic pollution is a real blight on the oceans and often a
temperature or levels of salinity. Another source of information
danger to marine life. NOAA also has a Marine Debris Program,
could be provided by collecting used filters from watermakers,
which monitors levels of pollution, by logging observations
with location and time details on where they had been used.
of plastic pollution onshore and at sea. Blue Planet Odyssey
This could be a source for researchers to assess the presence of
participants will also be able to cooperate with this program.
heavy metals, radioactivity and pollution levels.
16 • Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013
Whether sailing in the warm waters of the South Pacific or the icy waters of the Northwest Passage, there will be plenty of opportunities for sailors to make observations and take a close interest in their environment
Marine Wildlife
Phytoplankton
From tiny plankton to the great whales
There is a great concern that rising sea
of the oceans, marine wildlife is being
temperatures are causing a dramatic
affected by climate change, whether
decline in microscopic plankton, a key part
through increasing ocean acidification
of the marine food chain. Dr Richard Kirby
or the disruption of weather patterns.
from Plymouth University is interested
Blue Planet Odyssey sailors will be able
in monitoring levels of phytoplankton
to gather data on wildlife by noting their
throughout the areas covered by the
observations of marine wildlife spotted
routes of the Blue Planet Odyssey. The
at sea on special logging forms.
data available on phytoplankton is still
A similar project to increase the
very sparse and so the readings taken
knowledge about sea birds, is the
by sailors will enable researchers to find
‘SeaBC’ sea bird reporting project. Sailors
out what real impact climate change
will be asked to take photographs of
is having on plankton populations. The
any birds encountered at sea, logging
science is simple: when large numbers
information
and
of phytoplankton are present, they make
longitude, abundance, and interesting
such
as
latitude
seawater cloudy. Sailors will drop a
behaviour. This data will be sent to
Secchi disk (a simple white disk) over the
Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology
side of the boat, and record the depth at
eBird database, where it will become a
which it disappears from view. The data
permanent resource for scientists and
will be uploaded to an app developed by
conservation efforts worldwide. As Brian
the University. As Dr Kirby has pointed
Sullivan, one of eBird’s Project leaders,
out, there are too few scientists to survey
has said: ‘Any and all data from offshore
the oceans of the world, and in this way
waters are of high value!’
sailors can really help contribute to the ultimate aim of creating a database of plankton populations around the world. The Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, University of Miami has several projects of interest, such as the collection of underwater ambient acoustic data. The installation of hydrophones on the hulls of some Blue Planet Odyssey vessels could make acoustic measurements to assess the effects of climate change on underwater sounds. Another project that is being discussed involves the monitoring of coral reefs, in order to assess the effects of temperature increases and acidification. Whether they are sailing in the warm waters of the South Pacific or the icy waters of the Northwest Passage, there will be plenty of opportunities for sailors to make observations and take a close
Dr Richard Kirby with Secchi dish
interest in their environment.
Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013 • 17
Resolute Barrow
NORTHWEST PASSAGE
Gjøa
ALASKA
Nuuk
Reykjavik Bergen
Dutch Harbor
Lond
NORTH AMERICA
Vancouver
San Francisco
St John's New York Norfolk
San Diego
Azores
Gibraltar Malta
Bermuda Miami Havana
Cabo Jamaica
Hawaii
Halifax
Canary Islands
St Martin
AF
Martinique Panama
San Blas Cayenne
Cape Verde
Belém
Galapagos
Tokelau
SOUTH AMERICA
Salvador
St Hele
Marquesas Tahiti Gambier Pitcairn SOUTH PACIFIC OCEAN
18 • Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013
Rio de Janeiro Easter Island
SOUTH ATLANTIC OCEAN Southern route Northern route North American Atlantic starts North American Pacific starts South American start
Svalbard
The route of the Blue Planet Odyssey has been chosen to take advantage of the most favourable weather conditions and to pass through some of the most attractive cruising areas in the world”
Tromsø
Kristiansand
don EUROPE
Olympia
a
ASIA
Port Said
FRICA
Osaka
Shanghai Dubai Salalah Djibouti
Hong Kong Phuket
Cochin Maldives
NORTH PACIFIC OCEAN
Guam
Andaman Galle Singapore
Ho Chi Minh
INDIAN OCEAN
Micronesia Bali Darwin
Cairns
ena AUSTRALIA
Cape Town
Tuvalu
Torres
Fiji Tonga Vanuatu Nouméa
Sydney Auckland NEW ZEALAND
African start Australian start North American Atlantic return routes North American Pacific return routes Easter Island Route
SOUTHERN OCEAN
ANTARCTICA
Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013 • 19
I believe that I now have a fairly good idea of what such a transit entails”
20 • Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013
Jimmy Cornell
Northwest Passage T he Northwest Passage is a
waterway highlights the effects of
sea route connecting the
climate change. Nowhere in the world is
Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
this phenomenon more obvious than in
that winds its way through
the Arctic regions where the arctic icecap
the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. After
has been retreating at an increasingly
the successful voyages of the Spanish
accelerating pace. According to NOAA
and Portuguese explorers in the late
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric
15th century, Pope Alexander VI split
Administration), in the summer of 2012
the discovered world in two between
the Arctic sea ice dipped to its smallest
Spain and Portugal. Denied a sea route
extent ever recorded in more than three
to Asia either around Africa or America,
decades of satellite measurements.
England, France and the Netherlands
The global consequences are already
were desperate to find a solution. The
being felt and rising sea levels are now
following centuries saw a succession of
affecting many low lying islands and
unsuccessful attempts, many of which
coastal areas, some of which lie on the
ended in tragedy. It was only early in the
route of the Blue Planet Odyssey.
last century that the Norwegian explorer
One third of the early confirmations are
Roald Amundsen finally managed to
from sailors who plan to sail the northern
navigate this treacherous waterway in
route and shows their determination to
the sloop Gjøa, but even he could only
carry the message of the Blue Planet
accomplish this feat by overwintering
Odyssey into those high latitudes.
twice between seasons. A number of
The start of the Blue Planet Odyssey
specially reinforced ships made the
from London on 20 July 2014 will mark
transit in subsequent years, but it was
the 45th anniversary of the first landing
only in August 2007 that the Northwest
on the moon, an achievement which, like
Passage became open to ships without
the transit of the Northwest Passage, was
the need of an icebreaker.
once regarded as impossible. Both at the
The opening of the Northwest Passage
time and in the intervening years, some
is among the most conspicuous results
people have questioned the justification
of global warming and the fact that a
of space exploration when those efforts
number of Blue Planet Odyssey boats will
and resources could have been put to
attempt to transit this once impenetrable
much better use in solving the many
Richard Hudson showing the way
There is no question that the Northwest Passage presents a considerable challenge
Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013 • 21
problems that we have here on earth. While the far more modest aims of the Blue Planet Odyssey cannot possibly be compared to the feat of landing a man on the moon, the fact that some sailors are prepared to take such a risk in order to highlights one of the greatest dangers faced by humankind today would no doubt attract the approval and praise of their famous predecessors: from Martin Frobisher and Roald Amundsen to Willie de Roos, Eric Brossier and some sixty other valiant sailors who have successfully completed the transit in recent years. Preparations for the Northwest Passage In preparation for the transit of the Northwest Passage, which I intend to do myself, I have been in contact with several sailors who have accomplished a transit in recent years, have attended several lectures on the subject, have read all relevant material that I could find, and have also consulted people who have worked in that area. I believe that I now have a fairly good idea of what such a transit entails. The main conclusion is that compared to other high latitude voyages, such as passages to Antarctica, Spitsbergen or Alaska, which are areas where I have sailed myself, the challenges poised by the Northwest Passage are entirely different. Whereas in the former cases, the success of a voyage depends primarily on the experience of the skipper and crew, as well as the suitability of the vessel, in other words, on objective criteria, in the case of the Northwest Passage, there are several subjective criteria which are entirely out your control and therefore can result in failure unless you are prepared to do
depot. For this reason it is strongly recommended that every
all in your power to minimize those risks.
vessel should carry sufficient fuel to be able to cover 1200 miles
For an east to west transit, as in the case of the proposed Blue
under power.
Planet Odyssey passage, the main points that need to be taken into consideration are the following:
◊ Unless the transit is completed in the early part of the summer, the days begin getting shorter and nights longer,
◊ The fact that the ice usually retreats from west to east
and sailing, or motoring, in the dark, may not be advisable
means that in most years the eastern approaches to the NW
or possible. A late arrival in the North Pacific may result in
Passage are the last to become free of ice. The way to overcome
unfavourable conditions for the continuation of the voyage to
this is to plan on arriving at the chosen point of departure in
British Columbia and the US west coast.
the second half of July, and be prepared to wait until the ice has
The alternative may be to spend the coming winter in Northern
started retreating to such an extent that a transit may be safely
Alaska, or sail to Hawaii and join the southern route in the
attempted. This tactic can entail a long wait, and also that one
Marquesas or Tahiti in April-May 2015.
must be ready to go as soon as conditions look favourable, as
The plan is for the Blue Planet Odyssey fleet to rendezvous in
the situation can change rapidly.
the chosen area by 20 July, and be ready to start the transit in a convoy as soon as conditions are favourable. In the event that
◊ Weather conditions in the Northwest Passage can be
conditions are not favourable and the transit cannot start by 15
unfavourable, with either contrary NW winds, or light winds and
August, the decision may be taken to abandon the transit and
calms, when the only solution is to proceed under power. This
sail south. That would mean joining the start from New York, sail
means having a good reserve of fuel and, although there are
to the Eastern Caribbean, merge with the boats on the southern
fuel depots along the way, being able to refuel at will cannot
route there and continue together to Panama. The other
be taken for granted for a variety of reasons. Some locations
alternative is to sail instead to Florida, take the Miami start, and
may not be accessible because of weather conditions, the depot
sail via Cuba to Panama to join the southern route at that point.
may be out of fuel, or the route may need to be altered because
At the moment, these are the plans for 2014. Those who intend
of weather conditions which would mean missing the nearest
to transit the Northwest Passage in 2015 will need to be
22 • Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013
prepared to keep up a sustained rhythm
Asia and on to Singapore and a long
once they have reached the North Pacific.
awaited rendezvous with the southern
The same considerations apply as for
fleet route.
the 2014 start although a slightly later
There is no question that the Northwest
completion of the transit may not be
Passage
so critical as continuing the voyage to
challenge but challenges are there to
Hawaii later in the season should be
be overcome, hence my late decision to
possible to accomplish. From Hawaii, the
have a new boat built and do it myself.
route continues via Micronesia to East
Northwest Passage, here we come!
presents
a
considerable
Compared to other high latitude voyages, such as Antarctica, Spitsbergen or Alaska, the challenges poised by the Northwest Passage are entirely different” Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013 • 23
Comments on The Northwest passage I look forward to welcoming Eric Brossier
T
you soon in the Arctic!
he Arctic is the harbinger of the world’s climate. It is only 13 years since we started our Arctic voyaging, and in this relatively short time we regularly perceive obvious signs of major changes.
The evidence gathered by Arctic settlements all point in the
S
ailing above the Arctic Circle was everything we’d hoped it would be: challenging, frightening, beautiful, fulfilling. We’d been hypnotized and dazzled by the stark landscapes, the whales and
polar bears, the never-ending daylight. We’d been humbled by
same direction. The safe navigation season has increased in
the notion that we were passing through the same historic
the last 30 years from one to three months, the ice cap is no
waters where the heroic Roald Amundsen triumphed and the
longer as thick as it used to be in the heart of winter, some
tragic Franklin expedition came to grief.
areas have become accessible, and new plant and animal species
But stepping ashore in Pond Inlet was also bittersweet: due to
are arriving from the south. But higher temperatures do not
the diminished Arctic ice pack, we were one of many cruising
disappoint everyone! Neither does the idea of new employment
boats that have transited the once impassable Northwest
opportunities for young people, with increased marine traffic,
Passage in recent years in record-setting numbers. The Passage
tourism, mining and oil exploration.
remains one of the most remote and difficult voyages on the
Enjoy therefore your transit through the Northwest Passage,
planet, yet it is also a place that seems forever changed.
take the time to observe and listen, forget momentarily what
Herb McCormick
you read in the media, and be a witness on your return. A better understanding of the Arctic and its inhabitants should enable decision makers to make the right choices for the future.
Herb McCormick completed in 2009 a 28,000 miles circumnavigation of the Americas on the 64 foot steel Ocean Watch to raise awareness about the ailing health of the world’s oceans.
I look forward to welcoming you soon in the Arctic!
Eric Brossier
Eric Brossier and France Pinczon du Sel were the first navigators to complete a circumnavigation of the Arctic Ocean by transiting both the Northeast and Northwest Passages in 2002-2003 on their 15 metre steel yacht Vagabond. For the last five years they have been based in the Arctic, doing research work on the effects of climate change and the state of the polar icecap. They are now accompanied by five-year-old Leonie and three-year-old Aurore, and sent us this report from Ellesmere Island at the end of a very cold and dark winter.
24 • Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013
Herb McCormick at Gjөa Haven
Kim Mathiesen and Kirsten Thomsen
T
he
Northwest
Passage
knows neither victory nor defeat – it just exists, grimly and sometimes terrifyingly
indifferent to our presence, just like the Southern Ocean. We have been astonishingly lucky and the best we can say is that we have negotiated our way through. We made some really good calls on the way, but each could have been disastrous had we been wrong. It has been the most difficult thing I have ever done – makes Cape Horn look like a jolly by comparison. As to the highlights: wonderful sunrises, sometimes with huge
T
bergs in glorious orange silhouette. he Northwest Passage has
point. I never gave much consideration
Belugas:
been a fantastic adventure
to how I felt, because at the time I was
superficially more like oversize, white,
for life. It is difficult to
far more focused on practical thoughts
friendly dolphins. I’d never seen a beluga
express in words the many
relating to quickly and safely getting
whale before, but I have to say it was love
impressions we have had on the way. How
out of the Arctic before the autumn. For
at first sight.
do you describe the crystal-clear air, the
example, the day after I got through the
Icebergs: blue, black in silhouette, square
colours, the ever-changing landscapes,
Bering Strait, instead of relaxing with
ones, shapes you can Rorschach into
the ice in all its blue white splendour, the
hot toddies and thinking about having
anything you like, little treelike ones,
midnight sun, the constantly changing
successfully completed the Northwest
huge rockpile ones, slabby ones and all
light, and moving through it all on a
Passage, I was dragging anchor in a
dangerous.
small sailboat? The community spirit and
strong gale in Port Clarence. So all I
Glaciers: mostly remains, as all of them
friendship with other sailors? Or the very
want to say is just how glad I am to have
must once have reached the sea. Now
special experience of having eye contact
done it.
most of them end a long way back up the
with a family of polar bears a few boat
Richard Hudson
these
small
whales
are
slope, some several miles back. Bad news for the world.
lengths away?
Kim Mathiesen
Canadian Richard Hudson transited the
Alex Whitworth
Northwest Passage on his steel schooner Danish sailors Kirsten Thomsen and Kim
Issuma from east to west in 2011.
Australian Alex Whitworth completed his
Mathiesen transited the Northwest Passage
second circumnavigation of the globe
from west to east in 2012 on Sol, a
(2008-2010) via the Northwest Passage on
Beneteau First 42, at the end of a 38,000 mile voyage that took them to Cape Horn
Richard Hudson
the 33 foot Berrimilla 2.
and South Georgia. Alex Whitworth
S
ailing the Northwest Passage took
me
four
attempts
spread over three years Once I got delayed with dengue
fever and twice I had to turn back with mechanical problems. I was very happy (and relieved) to have finally completed the Northwest Passage when I passed through the Bering Strait, because I really wanted to get on with my life at that
Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013 • 25
The youngest ARC participant
About friends becoming a family Jimmy Cornell
The Odyssey – A True
Family Affair F rom the moment the first ARC was launched, it
with his preparations but then had a skiing accident and this
became very clear that the rally was going to be a
time his doctor insisted that he call off his voyage. “If you
family affair as the majority of the boats that joined
are all so concerned with the state of my health,” he told his
were crewed by couples. We remarked on this in our
doctor, “then you, the cardiologist and the orthopaedic surgeon
first newsletter in a report entitled “Into the ARC two by two”.
must come along, because I am definitely going!” And so
There were also a
he did, accompanied
number of families
by
with children and the
grandchildren and the
youngest participant
three doctors.
his
children,
in the ARC, aged four months, had not even
The
been born when his
Odyssey must have
parents sent in the
been infected by a
entry form with just a
powerful
question mark for the
with several romances
third crew member.
flourishing between
The
crews from different
Columbus
anniversary
rally
Millennium
love
bug
boats, not even sparing
America 500 in 1992
the
also included many
Odyssey team itself,
family crews, several
as
parents wanting their
Melissa Ellis:
children to sail in this
Lois and Don Babson receiving the Spirit of the Millennium Odyssey Award
Millennium described
by
When the Blue Planet
special event. Many of those who sailed in America 500 joined
Odyssey departs from London in 2014, it will mark 15 years since
later rallies, among them Don and Lois Babson on Que Sera Sera,
I sailed around the world on my family’s boat in the Millennium
who wrote:
Odyssey. On board were my father (Lou), mother (Jacky), brother (Lou
The most significant decision for us was to join a rally. Had we not
Junior) and two family friends Bill and Tom. But we also cherished
joined America 500, there would have been no Atlantic crossing for
our extended sailing family of the Millennium Odyssey, which to this
us in 1992. Without that experience, and without the Millennium
day includes some of our closest friends. As friendships developed
Odyssey, there would have been no round the world voyage for us
in the Millennium Odyssey, our boat became almost the sailing
either. Without those rallies the friendships amongst the whole
equivalent of the TV show “The Love Boat”. The rally set the stage for
fleet, which will last for many years, would have never developed.
Bill, Tom and my brother LJ each to find partners and get married,
The shared accomplishments will live in each of us forever.
and for me to run off and marry John Ellis, the Event Director of the Millennium Odyssey.
Sailing in one of the early ARCs was Three Generations, a large
We are now spread all over the globe from America and England
yacht whose owner, an elderly Swiss gentleman in his seventies,
to South Africa, with young families of our own, that hopefully one
had been warned by his doctor not to risk an Atlantic crossing
day will have the same opportunities I had to sail the world. The
because of his heart condition. Undeterred by this he continued
last time we all got together was for my fathers’ funeral last year.
26 • Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013
Through this difficult time I came to realise how fortunate I was to have my extended family and also how important it was for my father to have achieved his lifelong goal of sailing around the world with his family. Melissa’s brother Lou, who will be sailing in the Blue Planet Odyssey, also reminisces about sailing as family: Where to start? Best start with the best part, life long memories. My family always remembers the best parts of our trips and the worst seem to fade away. Cool places and fun new friends trump storms and breakdowns every time. The biggest struggle sailing with the family is the close quarters 24 x 7. There’s really no place to escape. On the other hand, I feel that sailing families seem closer than most. During the Millennium Odyssey, our boat Risque was the only boat that started and finished with the same crew that included four family members, even picking up a few including Zetty, my future wife. As we prepare for the Blue Planet Odyssey a lot of thought and research is going into our three smallest crew members’ safety, comfort, happiness and learning needs. We have started increased home learning time so that they get used to the idea of our being their teachers for home schooling. Winters in Wisconsin are good training
John, Melissa, Tom, Zetty, Lou and Bill Millennium Odyssey tempted Ivan to take
determined to play an active part, niece
a sabbatical leave to sail to Antarctica on
Marianne planning to incorporate it in
Aventura III, from where we continued all
her television work, as well as Gwenda
the way to Alaska, being joined along the
and Ivan stepping in whenever their help
way by my niece Marianne. My daughter
is needed.
Doina returned to the family fold to help
Apart from the family aspect, we are
with America 500 and continued being
now building up a strong Blue Planet
involved with various projects, including
Odyssey team, led by John Ellis, who was
managing the website noonsite.com. It
Event Director of several previous round
was Doina who played a major part in
the world events. Other people who
the decision to launch the Blue Planet
have worked with us in the past have
Odyssey, on which she is now working
indicated that they wish to rejoin us for
full time. The Blue Planet Odyssey has
this special event and will contribute
now turned into yet another family
greatly from their local knowledge of the
project,
places we shall be sailing to.
with
grand-daughter
Nera
for the cold conditions in the Northwest Passage, and we try to expose them safely and make it fun. Zetty and I always knew we would find a way to take our girls long distance cruising. This is part of what we see as vital family life. The love of sailing and adventure as a family is a gift given to us by our own parents and one that we are passing on to our children. But it was not just participants who turned the rallies into a family affair, as the very first ARC was managed just by Gwenda and myself, although we did get some volunteers to help us from among the families taking part. My son Ivan helped launch the first round the world rally in 1991 and also skippered Aventura II for part of her circumnavigation. The
Ivan, Doina, Gwenda and Jimmy Cornell Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013 • 27
Benjamin Riddle and Joseph Richardson
Pablo Aguilera
John and Linda Andrews
It couldn’t be done without you
being our most enthusiastic participant so far, writing: “We are incredibly excited about this, it comes at the perfect time in our lives. This event is my dream come true... I have told people my entire life that I wanted to sail the world and couple that with a higher purpose. And this is truly it.
Blue Planet Odyssey Participants
I would love to help this cause both by being a participant and by helping to raise
F
awareness both of the event and of its aim.“ rom the very moment the
touch wanting to sail the northern route
Blue Planet Odyssey was
before we had even officially launched
Also sailing the southern route, with a
launched at the end of
the Blue Planet Odyssey. UK based and
plan to take the start from Cape Town,
2012, what has always stood
sailing on Suilven, an Oyster 47, they
are Octaaf and Alma Bulterys.
out are the reasons sailors have given
are already experienced sailors, having
Octaaf is about to take his retirement and
for wanting to take part in this event.
most recently sailed the Beagle Channel
has given a good deal of thought about
Topping the list have been a real concern
and cruised extensively in the Caribbean,
the most suitable boat to sail in the
for the environment and a desire to
Atlantic and east coast of South America.
Odyssey. Alma suffers from seasickness
give something back to the remote
They are planning to join in Bergen and
so an early choice was to go for a
communities we sail to – which just goes
sail the Northwest Passage to Vancouver.
multihull, eventually opting for a Leopard
to show that sailors have understood
48 catamaran called Living for Wind.
very well the ethos which underpins this
Choosing
are
Octaaf writes that he decided to join the
unique event.
Benjamin Riddle and Joseph
Blue Planet Odyssey because he has been
from
the
southern
route
in
dreaming for a long time about sailing
John and Linda Andrews were
their 50 foot German Frers Whirlwind.
around the world with nature’s powers,
among the very first to join, and got in
Benjamin should receive the laurel for
being as carbon neutral as possible.
Richardson
28 • Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013
California
The Smart family
Eric and Patricia Franguel
Robert and Andrea Schwamberg
Jimmy Cornell
The Smart family from the UK are
moment and we will be cruising Spain and
and timely. This will fulfil my dream for
one of several families with children.
the Balearics this year. Andrea has yet to
a circumnavigation and I can’t think of a
Julian is British, Albane is French and
experience blue water cruising so we are
better reason for doing so! With my ocean
they have three children; Hugo 10, James
looking for an experienced sailing couple
engineering background and being located
9 and Daisy 6. Albane writes, “We are very
that do not have a vessel to join with us
close to the University of Miami’s Rosentiel
excited by the whole project and we are
and share some expenses.”
School of Marine and Atmospheric Science,
kitting up our boat for the long voyage. We
I decided to see how the program goals of
hope that several other families will join
Eric and Patricia Franguel will
the rally could be developed. Jimmy and
the Blue Planet Odyssey, so it would make
sail their Fountain-Pajot 44 catamaran
I met with graduate students to explore
the experience even more unforgettable for
Gemeaux along the southern route of
the feasibility of setting up monitoring
the children!! Our children are quite excited
the Odyssey. They plan to start in the
instruments to record marine, atmospheric
by the whole concept and understand why
Canary Islands and finish either in the
and possibly ambient sound data while
we are joining. We are happy to share
Mediterranean or back in their home port
the vessels are in transit. I certainly look
notes and ideas with other families on
of Concarneau in Brittany. Eric explained
forward to participating in some of these
preparations and getting ready. We hope to
that he wanted to join the Odyssey
programs.”
see you on the water!”
because he “had been looking for an event of this kind for a long time.” So much
For Jimmy Cornell, the opportunity
From the other side of the globe
so, that he was the very first to pay the
to face the challenges of the Northwest
are
registration fee.
Passage
Robert
and
Andrea
Schwamberg. Robert and Andrea live
proved
irresistible, so
he
commissioned a new Aventura from a
in Byron Bay, Australia, and for the last
Pablo Aguilera first learned about
leading French boatyard. Aventura IV
four years have spent their summers
the Blue Planet Odyssey at a presentation
will be “the embodiment of all that I
sailing in the Mediterranean. “A very
given by Jimmy Cornell at the SSCA Gam
have learnt in four decades of cruising; a
exciting project and worthwhile cause”
in Melbourne, Florida last December.
safe, comfortable, functional and fast yacht
is how Robert has described the Blue
“I was immediately hooked. I made the
perfectly suited for both the tropics and high
Planet Odyssey. “We are now starting to
commitment right there and then to become
latitude sailing, a proper expedition boat.
look at commencing a circumnavigation,
a participant and to assist Jimmy in any
Having searched all my life for the ideal
and the Blue Planet Odyssey seems perfect
way that I could since the climate change
cruising boat, I believe that Aventura IV
for us as our boat is in France at the
theme of the rally is so critically important
will come as close as possible to that ideal.”
Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013 • 29
Confirmed Participants List TBA = to be announced Boat Name
Design/LOA
Owner
Country
Route
Start
1
Suilven
Oyster 47
John & Linda Andrews
United Kingdom
Northern
Bergen
2
Festina Lente
Discovery 55
Nick Pochin
United Kingdom
Northern
London
3
Living for Wind
Leopard 48
Octaaf & Alma Bulterys
South Africa
Southern
Cape Town
4
Libby Super
Maramu 53
Terry & Dena Singh
USA
Southern
Miami
5
Khujada 2
Ovni 395
Albane & Julian Smart
United Kingdom
Southern
London
6
TBA
TBA
Lou & Zetty Morgan
USA
Northern
Kristiansand
7
Gemeaux
Fountain-Pajot Helia 44
Eric & Patricia Frangeul
France
Southern
Lanzarote
8
Teoula
Outremer 45
Udo & Regin Bönicke
Switzerland
Southern
London
9
TBA
Outremer 49
Francis Compton
USA
Southern
Miami
10
Odyssea
Beneteau Oceanis 40
Pablo Aguilera
USA
Southern
Miami
11
Strangetrader
Hallberg Rassy 46
Robert & Andrea Schwamberg
Australia
Southern
Spain
12
TBA
Lagoon 450
Paul Hart
USA
Southern
Miami
13
Whirlwind
German Frers 50
Benjamin Riddle & Joseph Richardson
USA
Southern
Miami
14
Imagine
Beneteau First 47
Richard Lednicky & Andrea Van Hoven
USA
Southern
New York
15
TBA
TBA
Nick and Anne Drover
United Kingdom
Northern
Kristiansand
16
Marco Polo
Outremer 46
Jan Michel Pinto da Silva
Brazil
Southern
TBA
17
Aventura IV
Exploration 45
Jimmy Cornell
United Kingdom
Northern
Kristiansand
30 • Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013
Jimmy Cornell
Cornell Sailing
Start of the first ARC in 1986
A Brief History of Events
Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC) The launch of the first transatlantic rally in 1986 is one of the
years, this continues to be one of its main attractions. A
main achievements of my life and the immediate success of
series of lectures and practical demonstrations held during
the annual ARC inspired similar rallies all over the world. One
the week before the start, focussing primarily on safety,
of the advantages of cruising rallies is that the organisers take
have laid the foundation of the ARC’s good safety record.
care of everything: formalities, docking, weather and routing
Communications have always played an equally important part
information, as well as transits of the Panama and Suez Canals.
and in recent years there has been a dramatic shift to satellite
There is also the safety in numbers factor and being able to
communications. In the past most boats had a SSB radio and
get help or advice in an emergency from fellow participants.
this continues to be the main means of communication among
Another advantage is that there is a fixed schedule, which
ARC boats at sea, even if the number of SSB radios has declined
imposes a certain discipline. As many of the participants are
as increasingly people prefer to communicate by email or
business people, retired or close to retirement, they seem to
satellite phone.
appreciate this aspect and also the fact that they can delegate responsibility, much as they would in their professional lives.
Round the world rallies
From the very beginning, one of the primary aims of the ARC was to provide a framework of safety and support to sailors who
Symbolic historic events or anniversaries have a special
lacked offshore experience and, in spite of changes over the
fascination for me, so when I started organising international sailing events the rallies were a readymade vehicle to promote and celebrate some of the most significant dates of our times. Europa 92 The success of the ARC served as an inspiration for the first round the world rally, something that had never been done before. Being a great believer in the European concept I had decided to call the first round the world rally Europa 92, wanting to do something to celebrate this burgeoning political union that promised to bring peace and prosperity to a continent that had been divided and at war for so many centuries. Europa 92 started from Gibraltar at the beginning of January 1991. A Gibraltar start was both logical and convenient. The
Europa 92 skippers with the King of Tonga Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013 • 31
Europa 92 fleet in Tahiti
weather was acceptable for a winter start, it was perfectly located
round the world race for amateur sailors that eventually led to
for both the start and finish and was easy for the participants to
the Hong Kong Challenge.
get to from both the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. The route and timing of the rally had been chosen carefully to take
America 500
advantage of favourable seasons as well as winds throughout the projected route. Also, knowing that most participants wanted
Long before the first round the world rally took off, I became
to accomplish a round the world voyage in the shortest time
intrigued by the imminent approach of one of the most
possible and were not interested in dallying too long en route,
important nautical anniversaries of the twentieth century,
the rally was to last a total of only seventeen months. This was
that of Christopher Columbus’s voyage to the New World in
rather a tall order, but in the end proved to be the ideal solution
1492. There were to be several major sailing events to follow
and it was not altered in the following rally.
the historic route from Spain to the Bahamas and I could not
The fleet that left from Gibraltar was joined in the Eastern
resist the temptation to make my own contribution. The idea
Caribbean or Panama by a number of US boats. Everywhere it
of America 500 was soon born, a rally for cruising yachts that
stopped, the rally was received with great enthusiasm, local
would follow Columbus’s original route. Half of the 146 yachts
people and officials welcoming the participants with open arms.
that took part had sailed across the Atlantic to the start from the
Cruising stages of adequate length had been carefully planned
New World, with the largest national contingent from the USA,
in between the offshore legs, giving participants, their crew and
but also yachts from Canada, Mexico and Argentina.
families who were joining underway, a perfect opportunity to
Columbus and his small fleet had left from the small Andalucian
visit some of the most attractive cruising grounds in the world.
port of Palos at dawn on August 2, 1492. Following in Columbus’s footsteps I had managed to obtain permission to bring our own
Europa 94
skippers to the same room in the ancient La Rabida monastery, where Columbus had briefed his captains. Just as happened on
The unquestioned success of that first round the world rally
the eve of their departure five hundred years earlier, the America
proved the validity of its basic concept and was followed
500 skippers had their briefing in the very same room as their
three years later by a similar event along a similar route. Any
illustrious predecessors. The highlight of the festivities was an
difficulties encountered in the first round the world rally
unforgettable flamenco opera based on the Columbus story and
were mostly ironed out in the second, chief among them an
played in an amphitheatre below the walls of the monastery
improvement in communications between the shore-based
attended by thousands of people and all our participants.
rally staff and participants, and also among the participants
At dawn on 2 August 1992, the America 500 skippers and
themselves. Compared to the first rally, participants in Europa
some of their crews attended a special mass and blessing in
94 were more competitive. Such interest in competition, which
the small church of St George where Columbus and his crews
was also becoming evident in the ARC, showed the need for a
had worshipped on the morning of their departure. While
32 • Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013
Columbus had unknowingly crossed the
Hong Kong Challenge
Atlantic at the height of the hurricane
The race marked several significant firsts and will be remembered as such: the first
season (September) it would have been
Never at a loss for inspiration, the rapidly
round the world ocean race to transit the
irresponsible for us to do the same. For
approaching date of the handover of
Panama Canal, the first such event to visit
this reason the Atlantic crossing was
Hong Kong to China in 1996 provided
Hawaii, Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore.
postponed to later in the season when
the theme of yet another special event.
In spite of its toughness and length the
there was no risk of a hurricane.
Because of the location of Hong Kong
Hong Kong Challenge was completed
After the start in Las Palmas de Gran
as well as other practical considerations
without serious mishaps by all yachts, sailed mostly by amateurs. Expo 98 Round the World Rally Soon after the end of the second round the world rally, I started planning a third one and, having drawn a blank with getting any support from Europe, was now actively looking for a suitable theme. One day I read a long report in a London newspaper describing the ambitious plans that the Portuguese government was drawing up for the anniversary of Vasco da Gama’s voyage around Africa in 1498. The planned celebrations were to be incorporated into a big world exhibition to be built on the banks of the river Tagus in Lisbon. The theme of Expo 98 was “The Oceans, a Heritage for the Future”. I knew instantly that there
America 500 participants before the start in Palos
couldn’t be a more suitable theme for my next round the world rally. Fortunately,
Canaria, a symbolic stop was made at
I soon realised that this was not to be
the organisers of the world exhibition
the small island of La Gomera where
another cruising rally. The route and
agreed and offered to sponsor the rally
Columbus himself had left from on 6
weather conditions were much tougher
provided it started and finished in Lisbon
September 1492. After the skippers had
and could only suit larger yachts sailed
and the route included as many current or
had their special souvenir logbooks
by experienced crews. For all these
former Portuguese territories as possible.
signed by the mayor of La Gomera they
reasons the Hong Kong Challenge was
The timing also had to be adjusted so
walked to the nearby church of the
to be a proper round the world race
that we would be back in Lisbon for the
Assumption where Columbus and his
for ocean going yachts. Once again the
grand opening in May 1998.
sailors had prayed all those years ago.
idea was greeted with enthusiasm and
Christmas 1996 found our 36 yachts
The fleet made a fast 3000 mile passage
eventually a dozen yachts sailed in the
tethered to a couple of pontoons in
to the small island of San Salvador
event. From the start in London, where
a commercial dock on the Tagus. The
in the Bahamas, where Columbus and
the iconic Tower Bridge was specially
following day all yachts headed for the
his three caravels made landfall on 12
opened for the fleet to commence its
start line in front of Henry the Navigator’s
October 1492. From there we sailed
passage down the river Thames, the
monument, being helped both by a
over to George Town in Great Exuma
yachts sailed via the Canaries to Panama,
favourable wind and tide. Eight of the
whose large protected harbour was the
transited the Canal, proceeded to Hawaii
yachts were flying the Portuguese flag
only place capable of sheltering such
and Japan before arriving in Hong Kong.
and not surprisingly we were welcomed
a large fleet. It was there that the final
The return voyage took the yachts via the
warmly in all the Portuguese territories.
America 500 celebrations took place, an
South Indian Ocean, around the Cape of
In many of the stops, Expo 98 arranged
unforgettable finale to a unique event.
Good Hope to Brazil, then finally back to
receptions for local dignitaries and rally
England.
participants. On our arrival in South
Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013 • 33
Africa, the rally was welcomed by the King and Queen of the Zulus, who presented all participants with exquisite carvings of wild animals. The stop in Salvador da Bahia was timed to coincide with the colourful carnival and the famous samba groups were joined by our participants with great enthusiasm even if less dancing skill. With perfect timing we sailed up the River Tagus on the day of the opening of Expo 98 and the yachts were docked in a special pool inside the large exhibition. Our crews, including the scores of friends and families who had joined them, had the run of the place as they could roam freely around the exhibition, night and day. It was a wonderful atmosphere that kept some of them there for weeks. The end was not too painful, as I knew that we
The lighting of the Millennium Flame in Jerusalem
would be back with the Millennium Odyssey before Expo 98
into the early history of man I saw that the gift of fire to another
closed. And so we were.
clan or tribe must have been the original symbol of peace, an early instance of man stretching out his hand in help to a fellow
Millennium Odyssey
human being. My idea therefore was for a symbolic Millennium Flame to circle the globe and bring everywhere a message of
The impending new millennium and its huge potential had my
hope, understanding and, above all, peace.
mind already spinning in the early 1990s and I was keen to
The true meaning of the millennium celebrations imposed
organise something unique and original for this very special
its own parameters and, in spite of a certain reluctance, the
occasion. A round the world rally was quite obviously the logical
Christian dimension could not be ignored. The rally, therefore,
answer but, for the first time, I was stuck for a suitable theme. I
had to have a symbolic start in Jerusalem and an equally
mulled over the millennium’s historic significance, international
symbolic finish in Rome - with the whole wide world in between.
implications and its religious foundation… and still could see no
A small fleet of Millennium Odyssey yachts gathered in the
light at the end of the tunnel. But gradually those very elements
Israeli port of Ashkelon early in August 1998 for the start of
started to coalesce, come into focus and the idea started to
the most ambitious project I had ever undertaken. One morning
take shape by itself. This would be an opportunity not only
we all drove to Jerusalem to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre,
to celebrate the arrival of a new millennium, but much more
where the Orthodox Church, who had administered this holy
important, to mark a milestone in the history of humankind
place throughout its turbulent history, had agreed to put on
that after the fall of communism promised to usher in an age of
a special ceremony for the lighting of the Millennium Lamps.
peace, international harmony and understanding. Looking back
These had been specially designed and each participating yacht
Aventura III in Antarctica 34 • Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013
was to carry a lamp and its flame around the world. At every stop the flame was to be handed over to local dignitaries in a special ceremony. Gathered in the smoky gloom in front of the tomb of the Saviour the venerable Russian Patriarch emerged from the narrow tunnel leading to the Holy Sepulchre and, from a blazing torch that he had lit from a candle on the tomb, transferred the flame to the expectant skippers. The moving ceremony having been completed we all went into a neighbouring side chapel where the Papal Nuncio, Monsignor Pietro Sambi, blessed us, prayed for the safe completion of our endeavour and then ended with a statement that filled my eyes with tears. ‘My heart is filled with joy that your very special event has
Millennium Odyssey fleet at the Expo 98 world exhibition
already borne fruit because as far as I know this is the very first
points that were meant to be signed by a high official at each of
time in the 2000 year old history of this venerable place that
the flame handing over ceremonies.
our two religions had actually agreed to give their support and
Among those who signed were the Papal Nuncio in Jerusalem,
cooperation to one project.’
the President of Panama, the Mayor of Rio de Janeiro and HRH
While the Jerusalem fleet made its way across the Mediterranean,
Princess Pilolevu of Tonga. The pages that I treasure most in
another fleet had left London for the rendezvous in Lisbon.
Aventura’s logbook are those signed by all the scientists of the
Having opened Expo 98 in May, the organisers of the international
Ukrainian Vernadsky station in Antarctica, the distinctive stamp
exhibition had enthusiastically agreed to host the Millennium
added by the keeper of the lighthouse at Cape Horn, and the
Odyssey fleet inside the exhibition. The merging of the two
signatures of some of my Pitcairn friends.
fleets in Lisbon was a joyful occasion made even more enjoyable
Special ceremonies, combined with cruising interludes marked
by the many families joining the crews during the exciting last
the rally’s passage through the rest of the South Pacific with
days of the highly successful show. With perfect timing our world
the highlight at the resort of Musket Cove, an unforgettable
voyage departed just as the curtain fell on the world exhibition.
traditional Fijian welcome ceremony. In Bali it was time for
In Las Palmas the fleet split in two as, in order to cover as much
the two fleets to go their separate ways again. A smaller fleet
as possible of the world, I had devised two very different routes:
headed along the more difficult route across the South Indian
a warm water route that went through the Panama Canal and
Ocean and the Cape of Good Hope while a larger group pointed
the tropics, which attracted the bulk of the fleet, and a cold
their bows for the Red Sea and Mediterranean. What stood out
water high latitude alternative via Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope. While the warm water fleet was to head west via the Panama Canal, seven of the more daring yachts set sail south from the Canaries towards Brazil, Argentina, the Falklands and Southern Chile. Nowhere was the symbolic gesture of the handing over of the Millennium Flame appreciated more than at the Cathedral of Rio de Janeiro where a famous Brazilian sculptor had created a huge frame to hold the tiny millennium lamp that was guarded by a Republican Guard in full ceremonial uniform. In Tahiti the smaller fleet was reunited with those that had transited the Panama Canal and which earlier had been joined by a number of American yachts that had started from Florida. From Tahiti, the combined fleet proceeded westward to Tonga, where the skippers were received at the Royal Palace by HRH Princess Pilolevu, her interest in the current rally going back to the very first round the world rally when she had graciously agreed to come to Gibraltar to give the start of Europa 92. A unique feature of the Millennium Odyssey was the special souvenir logbooks that had been produced for each yacht. Each log had the usual pages for daily entries and notes to refresh the memory. Specially designed pages were inserted at the relevant Jimmy Cornell and John Ellis presenting the Millennium Flame to Gaston Tong Sang, Mayor of Bora Bora Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013 • 35
in this part of the world was the enthusiastic welcome the
The Grand Finale
flame ceremony received everywhere from Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims just as in previous countries we had been warmly
The successful finish of the Millennium Odyssey also marked the
welcomed by various Christian denominations.
end of my career as a rally organiser. Or so I thought at the time.
While the main fleet spent some time in South East Asia, a
Increasingly concerned about the effects of climate change,
smaller fleet sailed across the South Atlantic to Salvador da
an issue of such global importance that it must no longer be
Bahia in Brazil, where, once again, the arrival coincided with
ignored, led to my decision to launch the Blue Planet Odyssey
that city’s unique carnival. From Brazil, the fleet continued to
because of my conviction that many sailors share my concern
the Eastern Caribbean and in Antigua it was time to bid farewell
for the future of our planet. The start of the Blue Planet
to the American participants who were sailing home. Early in
Odyssey will mark 40 years of my cruising life. My first Aventura
2000 the larger Millennium fleet sailed across the North Indian
was launched in London on 20 July 1974 and the Blue Planet
Ocean to the Red Sea, Suez Canal and Mediterranean. The final
Odyssey will start from London on 20 July 2014. During these
stop was in Rome’s ancient port of Civitavecchia where we were
four eventful decades I have not only realised my childhood
joined by families and friends that had flown in from all over
dream of sailing the oceans, but have also managed to combine
the world.
it with my professional life, as a journalist, writer and event
Millennium Easter Monday had been set aside for a large
organiser. I have sailed to some of the remotest parts of the
outdoor ceremony in St Peter’s Square where the Millennium
globe and have been privileged to encounter some of the
Odyssey contingent had been reserved places in a special
most isolated communities. Therefore I decided that for me the
enclosure among the 100,000 pilgrims from around the world.
Blue Planet Odyssey will be payback time. I want to show my
I had the great honour to hand over the Millennium Flame to
gratitude to those people all over the world who have welcomed
Pope John Paul II. With a warm smile on his face he asked about
me, as well as countless other sailors, with warmth, friendship
our rally and I explained briefly how the flame had reached him
and generosity. As this Odyssey calls at places where people’s
and how our message of peace had travelled around the world.
lives are already affected by climate change, we want them to
36 • Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013
The start of the Blue Planet Odyssey will mark 40 years of my cruising life” know that cruising sailors care for them and empathise with
3. Take part in local community projects in the places
their concerns.
A logical development was to build a new boat to take part in
4. Take an active part in scientific research programs dealing
this event. Aventura IV will attempt to incorporate everything
that I have learnt during four decades of offshore sailing, and
5. Participate in an educational program aimed at school
come as close as possible to my ideal cruising boat. Once again,
my boat is built to sail in a round the world event, the Blue
6. Use this opportunity to involve your local community,
Planet Odyssey being the most ambitious project that I have
school, radio station, TV channel, newspaper, current
ever undertaken.
work place and colleagues in this worthwhile project.
visited by the rally. with the most immediate effects of climate change. children worldwide.
7. Sail in the company of like-minded people who share your
concern for the future of our planet.
8. Sail in an organised event where some of the tedious
Ten reasons why you should be part of the Blue Planet Odyssey
aspects of cruising are taken care of by the organisers, and
enjoy the security of sailing as part of a larger group, with
the benefit of support in emergencies and help from fellow
1. Sail around the world not just to fulfill your dream of
participants.
completing a circumnavigation but do it for a higher
9. Be part of a great adventure and grasp this opportunity to do
purpose: to raise awareness of the effects of climate
change.
10. Be able to tell your children, grandchildren, friends,
it before it is too late.
2. Carry a message of friendship and goodwill to some of the
neighbours and colleagues that you have at least tried
most endangered places on the planet and show those
to do your little bit for the future of the planet.
people that the outside world, represented by us cruising
sailors, cares about them and is concerned for their future.
Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013 • 37
Essential Reading from Adlard Coles Nautical
‘The undisputed authority on long distance voyaging’ YACHTING LIFE Subscribe to the Adlard Coles Nautical newsletter for exclusive discounts, additional content and competitions throughout the year, by visiting
www.adlardcoles.com
Weekend seminar on long distance cruising cornell sailing
October 13-14, 2013
Maritime Institute
of Technology Conference Center
Blue Planet Log
Linthicum, Maryland Editor Jimmy Cornell Managing Editor Doina Cornell Subeditor Gwenda Cornell Graphic Artist Joerg Baginski
38 • Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013
Day One
Day Two
• Voyage and passage planning • Planning and navigation apps • Essential aspects of voyage preparation • Offshore communications • Weather symbols and chart interpretation • Medical emergencies • Offshore forecasts and weather routing • Downwind sails • Ocean currents • AIG and collision avoidance • Marine weather self-reliance concepts • View from the bridge simulation • Climate change and its effects on voyage planning • Liferaft pool demonstration • Tropical and high latitude navigation • Northwest Passage briefing • Offshore routines • Personal safety Anyone is welcome to join this wide-ranging seminar on all aspects of world cruising hosted by noted experts in their field, such as Jimmy Cornell and meteorologist Lee Chesneau. seminars@cornellsailing.com | www.cornellsailing.com/seminars
Contributors Aliki Faipule Foua Toloa, Chris Bone, Marianne Aschenbrenner, John Ellis, Melissa Ellis, Lou Morgan, Nera Cornell
© Blue Planet Odyssey Ltd. 50 Great Russell Street London WC1B 3BA United Kingdom
Photographs Chris Bone (p. 4, 5), Marianne Aschenbrenner (p. 11), Nera Cornell (p. 15), Richard Hudson (p. 21, 23, 25), Kim Mathiesen (p. 21, 22, 25), David Thoreson (p. 24), Eric Brossier (p. 20), Jimmy Cornell (all others)
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Blue Planet LOG • Issue 1 • April 2013 • 39