Racing alone around the world: a special insanity
In a previous lifetime, I wrote monthly columns for Latitude 38, a sailing magazine based in Sausalito. One column focused on the very special insanity of the solo sailor; another suggested a true 'round-the-world race as opposed to the usual Antarctic circumnavigation. There's a very, very special insanity in not only sailing alone, circumnavigating Antarctica--and racing to boot!
This year, the expanded technology available to the racers (but more so to the organizers and families) got the notice of Wired; hence the following article:
"The sixth annual 'Around Alone' sailing race starts Monday, but the 14 solo sailors won't be completely cut off from the dry world. Michelle Delio reports from New York." Sailing 'Around Alone' and Online. [Wired News]
Despite my misgivings about the mental state of the people involved, I try to watch the televised footage whenever possible--it give me goosebumps, especially the shots of big boats surfing down the monster waves of the Roaring 40s at speeds well over 20 knots. Watching makes my blood rush, my pulse pound, my eyes goggle--but never does the thought of being out there myself cross my mind!
8:24:31 PM 
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