Today the 27,000 nm ‘seabbatical’ around the world began on a perfect autumn day, with a departure from Sydney Harbour. The first leg is in light winds to Hardys Bay to collect Ben and provision the boat for the leg to Darwin. It was a great pleasure and a memorable start, for Galaxy III to be escorted out of the harbour by several boats from Middle Harbour Yacht Club and Cammeray Marina.
Ben & I have planned for a year and based on an average speed of 5kts, we will be sailing 2/3 of the year (over 5,000 hours) and enjoying the destinations for the remaining 1/3. Our route follows the trade winds and is timed to avoid cyclones (November – April) in the Southern Hemisphere and hurricanes (May-November) in the Northern Hemisphere. The itinerary includes Indonesia, Maldives, Madagascar, South Africa, Brazil, Caribbean, Cuba, Panama, Tahiti & New Zealand. Naturally, there will be some unplanned stops as well.
Preparing Galaxy III over the past two years has been a journey in itself and a steep learning curve that extends from repairing and preparing the boat, clocking up 6,000nm offshore over the past 2 years to RYA courses to investment in safety & communications equipment. Many people have helped out along the way, though David James needs to be singled out for his sweat, blood, ideas and coaching.
When I talk to people about the trip, their response falls into one of two groups. Either you must be crazy, what about storms and pirates?or what a fantastic adventure and an amazing thing to do with your son. Both groups are partly right and we are looking forward to sharing our adventures on and in the ocean through this blog.
Safe travels Chris and Ben- will look forward to seeing and reading the updates on this amazing and unique experience! X
It’s a privilege to follow your journey. Good luck and have a great trip.
Good luck Chris. I look forward to sharing the adventure vicariously.
Really looking forward to following you on this mate
Fabulous Chris. You legend! I will be very happy to follow your blog and your adventures. Best of luck to you both!
Stay lsafe, looking forward to following the journey.
Wednesday 26 Apri
Just getting ready for work,got to cut
Some hair,you probably have a bit of
Sailing to do,wish I could you.Bet your
Going to do some fishing ,tough life
Have a great day!
Bon Voyage you two:-) Am looking forward to keeping in touch. Just left Melacca today and was gazing over The Straits towards Sumatra thinking you’d be passing by soon. Much love Rhodesie
Living the dream Chris and Ben, happy sails.
All the best Chris and son.
Old friend of Deanne
Keen to follow the journey!
Checking your progress every day Spot. Nice tailwind so far?
nice tailwind 7 knots
@thursday 13th…..hard to tell by the zig zagging but I guess you are going to either the Maldives, Seychelles…or Mogadishu? If its the latter keep the AK-47 close by the wheel house?
Cheers