My return ticket to New York is now locked in for the 6th of February! It’s been a very productive and fun time in Australia, however soon it’s time to resume things and continue the trip. Thank you to Mari for the latest photo of Constellation – It was nearly 39C (about 103F) the other day here in Melbourne, and as can be seen, it’s considerably colder back on Long Island:
Right now, I’m getting quotes and trying to organise the somewhat complex overland trip that has to happen this year. I expect to be trucking Constellation sometime in April, and for myself to be over on the west coast for when she arrives – This is for a scheduled departure across the Pacific in May or early June… Right now I’ve been getting quotes from uShip.com, and the best one so far is around $3,500. If anyone is familiar with hotshot trucking, or has any contacts in the industry who might take a backhaul west, please let me know. I need to confirm a trucking solution very soon, to ensure everything goes to plan.
Much work remains to be done on Constellation, however I hope to get 90% of it done before going overland. With the generous support of Mike Acebo who runs runs the Greenport Brewer Yacht Yard, Constellation has been under his care ever since I first docked way back in June/July of 2008. Mike and everyone at the marina has been exceptionally generous, and we’re also hoping to re-do Constellation’s rig, and install a furler on the foresail before leaving New York. Without the support of Mike and the Brewer yard, there is definitely, and absolutely no way I’d be moving on this year across the Pacific. So, if you’re ever on a boat in Long Island, be sure to visit Brewer Yacht Yard in Greenport and say hello!
In other news, Lee Winters has successfully made it across the Gulf of Mexico. I watched his position closely over the last week, and this evening he managed to jump behind an island in Mexico before the wind picked up too much. Lee’s expression of ‘crying for the first time in his adult life’ and the elation you can detect in his latest blog post, brings back tremendous memories of my own sailing last year… Simon has also just made it across the Atlantic ocean alone, from the Cape Verde islands – He hasn’t updated his map yet, however I know he’s quite happily anchored in St Lucia, the Caribbean!
The feeling of achievement, relief, sadness, and pure joy after a long distance passage alone, is nearly incomprehensible to someone who hasn’t done it, yet I can assure you that both Lee & Simon deserve a really big pat on the back. Congrats!
Nick.
January 17th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Hey Brother. Thanks for everything Nick. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate you stepping up with everything from weather reports to FB updates. If you need anything when you hit middle america or the west coast just let me know. Lots of friends out there who’d be happy to lend a hand with anything you need.
It is a hell of a thing isn’t it? Looking forward to the next one.
Lee
January 18th, 2009 at 4:29 am
Hello, just found your blog. Good work on all of your travels and keeping up on your site! I just purchased a Contessa 26! Now I am convinced it was a good purchase since you have traveled far with yours. My long term goal is to get eventually to New Zealand after picking it up from Newfoundland, in the next coming months.
My brother in law transported his boat from MA to MI. http://WWW.svprecipice.com is his site. Not sure who he used but may be helpful.
Good Luck
January 25th, 2009 at 8:49 pm
again … I think that people that are waterprone … are people who have a different understanding of time … people that are not earthprone … like fish. where we commeth forth from.
… as ‘time’ goes by.
sincerely and best to you Nick.
Michael
February 1st, 2009 at 11:59 pm
I’m in utter awe of what you’ve done…seriously, you are an inspiration to those of us who hope to one day be able to get our own sailboat and travel the world. I’ve never even been sailing, but I’ve wanted to do it my entire life, and I cannot wait until I raise enough funds to do so! Kudos to you.
I’m really happy to hear you’re enjoying America. If you ever make it to Philly, you’ve got a fellow adventurer (in spirit, ha) who’ll take you out on the town. If we’ve got anything here, it’s grit, and I guarantee you’ll be heartily welcomed.
Also wanted to mention how much I enjoy the music in your videos. Some songs that I listen to and imagine myself sailing to are: Bluebird Of Happiness by Mojave 3; Eastern Glow by The Album Leaf; No Cars Go by The Arcade Fire; Belles by Vetiver; I Woke Up Today by Port O’Brien; Red Cave by Yeasayer; Penelope by Pinback; Born On The Cusp by The American Analog Set; California Waiting by Kings of Leon; Where To Begin by My Morning Jacket; The Old Days by Dr. Dog; Walking by The Dodos; Running Up That Hill by Chromatics; Within You by Ray LaMontagne; To Go Home by M. Ward.
Anyway, I will be following your blog as you embark on your future travels and wish you the best. Thanks again for being an inspiration.
February 2nd, 2009 at 1:34 am
PS…my pop is a big time biker and world traveler. He is of the type to offer a hand when it comes to riding lessons (not sure if you need those, though, ha), a bike to ride, a friend with a place to stay and a meal. He loves meeting people such as yourself and he might just be in the next place you land. He would definitely arrange something for you if you find yourself in dire straits (again…at this point, not sure if you need that with all the people you’ve met). But just wanted to offer it up. So if you ever find yourself looking for someone in a strange land, let us know. Cheers.
February 7th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
vague possibility of return, daughter plans to ship west(LA) to east in a couple months. Dont think she wants to be as far north as you are, though. Good Luck