From backpacking in Central America to a 17,000 mile roundtrip from the UK to Mongolia and back. I have undertaken many journeys in my life, but nothing has been as difficult as what I am currently working on. Beginning in February 2017, I intend to begin a journey like none I’ve faced before, a circumnavigation of the globe on a 27′ Albin Vega 33′ Hallberg-Rassy sailboat. And of course, I will undertake this journey alone.
Prior to 2014, I had never been in an active role sailing before (that is, I had been twice on boats that were being propelled by wind, but never done anything to make them do so). Then in August 2014, I purchased a 1969 Albin Vega sailboat with the intent of a global circumnavigation.
With such little time on the water, what makes me think I can sail around the world?
I have found that there are two general types of people: those who defer to fear, and those who do not.
Those who defer to fear are perfectly capable of all things that the latter group engages in, but must first be convinced that they are capable of accomplishing said things safely. Those who do not defer to fear see no reason why those things which have been previously accomplished by others cannot also be accomplished by themselves.
This really is the only consistent difference between people who ask me if I’m crazy and people who respond with encouragement.
Funny thing, most people who respond with encouragement are folks who have undertaken or are planning similar journeys. Not necessarily sailing around the world, but rather traveling throughout it in some capacity.
I will continue to update my past adventures, as there are currently many holes in them (some are missing completely). However from this point on, my blog will be focused on the preparations I am undertaking for this journey.
Subsequent posts will include topics such as: what is important in a sailboat circumnavigation, how much does it cost to undergo long distance sailing and what are some of the greatest fears for a circumnavigation. In addition to these, I will document the work I am doing to my vessel as well as shorter trips I have/will be taking.
It’s about time this blog got wet.
The Author
8 Comments
I just made a contract to buy a Albin Vega 27, OZETTE.
I will take her over on Aug. 1st at Coos Bay, Oregon.
My plan is to sail back to my hometown where I was born, South Korea.
I will need to skill up, retrofit OZETTE, and cross the pacific one day.
In the meantime, I will be around, and peep in you blog often!!!
Cheers,
Hi Simon,
That’s great to hear you have a Vega of your own! They’re great boats, you’ll love yours. If you happen to make it down to southern California let me know – feel free to get in touch anytime.
Jacob
I just bought a vega today also.I’ve never sailed but will soon learn .I’m on the west coast of Scotland
That was just about my position two years ago when I purchased my first Vega with my only sailing experience being a 22 hour course taken through a local college. I learned more in that course than months on the water. Well worth the small investment. Good luck with your Vega!
Hi Jacob,
I’ve just bought myself an Albin Vega as well and im hoping to do some long voyaging in her soon. She is a great boat. Are you a member of the Vega association? or the owners club on facebook? would be interesting to hear your tales there as well, even if just linked from your blog.
safe sailing
Hey Murray,
Congrats! I am not a member of the association, but am on the Facebook and Yahoo groups. Once I begin writing a bit a more, I’ll definitely syndicate. Enjoy your new Vega, they’re extremely capable little things.
Jacob
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The HR looks great Jacob. She is a classic beauty. Those lines are just so old school. Been looking over your work, great job, finishing her. Attention to detail is obvious. Nicely done.
Dirk