My emotions have been running high after having to gear up for the original start date, then down for the delay, then back up for the start yesterday. It began what has been the oddest combination of variables for the start of a leg that I can remember. I have been very emotional compared to the start in France. I am apprehensive about going back down to the big noise in the south and I miss my wife, Meaghan, and my children very much… which has led to a bit of an emotional funk.
It didn't help at all when Tate, Wyatt and I all had to wish each other Merry Christmas on the dock as I left on December 16th! It is one thing to wish Meaghan as a grown up Merry Christmas; but missing the kid’s Christmas is making tears well in my eyes even as I write this.
So we were finally able to escape South Africa in a weather window that wasn't guaranteed carnage, yet it was still South Africa. Talk about “Full Noise or No Noise,” our team’s motto! The fleet starts in light fluky up and down breeze in Table Bay and by the time we get ten miles offshore, BAM, the forecast shows 15 knots of wind on the nose and is blowing 30+ knots instead. This lends more justification for holding the race start off when they were forecasting 40+.
Then it goes light! Very light. And now Derek, Gutek and myself are all drifting along in sight of each other coxing what we can out of 2-6 knots of breeze for the last 18 hours or so. This too is very odd. The Aghulas Current is a warm water current that wraps around Africa and really makes the entrance to the Southern Ocean a warm paradise for sea life. I have only seen this place sailing at full speed like most people; but wow is it different when you’re going 3 knots. I have had yellowtail swimming in the shadow of the boat, weird eddies of swirling debris, jelly fish everywhere, flying fish and 23 degree Celsius water temps.
Is this the calm before the storm? All the above is happening while I struggle to work my way south to the frozen sea scape of the Southern Ocean which is only a mere couple hundred miles from here. Like I said… weird! Hopefully all of this is a good omen that will deliver a good Christmas experience and the South will allow our fleet safe passage!
Regards and Happy Holidays to all,
Brad
Brad,
ReplyDeleteGreetings from California.
I have a wife and 2 boys...I can imagine that leaving and wishing them Merry Christmas must be very tough. And yet you are showing them the beauty of persuing your dreams....very cool. They must be proud.
It is a treat to follow your journey. The Single handed Transpac is in my future...no Southern Ocean trip, but you can see I have a healthy dose of respect for your efforts.
Keep plugging...emotions are like the wind....crummy moods just mean the good times are around the corner.
Best,
Ben
ciao big brad, i'm claudia you remember me? i whish you a good race and a merry christmas. a very big hug from the old friends of the Around Alone ciiiiaaaooooo
ReplyDeleteBrad:
ReplyDeleteBen from California says it well! Figure on a belated Xmas for Tate, Wyatt, and Meaghan when you arrive in New Zealand (all the more enjoyable).
Your actual Xmas will be experiencing a fast "sleigh" ride in the Southern Ocean. Now I ask you, who could ask for more than that? You, your boat/mistress, and Mother Nature at her vivacious best (deep in the cradle of nature)!
I can remember flying in the King Air (all by myself) at 35,000 ft. (crusing along at 350 knts on top of the clouds) one Xmas eve with all the cockpit lights out, a beatiful full moon, the only light coming from the moon and the turbin engine (PT 6) exhausts, and the air traffic controller signing over the air "O Silent Night"! At that very moment (around midnight on 12/24) I thought to myself it didn't get any better than that! Did not think a minute about you, Cammie, and your Mom waiting for me at home in Rancho Santa Fe! I knew you guys were safe, and I would get there eventually. I wouldn't have traded that very moment for anything in the world!
Race the good race knowing that your family will be safe and sound on Xmas eve in New Zealand (with visions of their Santa, Dad and husband in their heads) as your sleigh careens over the best Mother Nature can throw at you (albeit a rugged sleigh ride). My bet is you will be wishing them all a Merry, Merry Xmas via satellite! That is very, very cool Amigo!
Fight on good buddy, be fast, and stay safe!
Feliz Navidad (almost) (:>,
Grump
Well said, Grump!
ReplyDeleteGo get them my friend. Sail safe, sail like you stole it and we'll all be in Wellington waiting for your arrival to celebrate a belated Christmas. Although I can't be there physically, I know I will definitely be there in spirit!.
Take care of your self, your sleigh and be there safe. We're waiting for ya! __/)__
Cheers!
LZ
hey Brad, you're worrying me...never heard u talk like this (and I've heard u say plenty!). I've only seen u cry once: rememberwhen Tate and Daisy hugged each before our "move" to Costa? U had all of us going that day. Anyway, all anyone wants is for you to STAY SAFE...You've been at sea at Christmas before and you can do this again. Being away from the kiddies on such a holiday SUCKS but think of all the ones to come! This is a blip on the Van Liew fam radar. Love u and miss you!!!!
ReplyDeleteweather maps from Global Forecast System
ReplyDeletewww.theweatherland.com
Buck up Brad all will be just as Grump said and he is wise my friend...
ReplyDeleteWatching you from afar!
Love, Louise
Hey Brad
ReplyDeleteGreetings from the upstate South Carolina. We're all very proud of you. You don't need this idle time on you hands, that is why you're having too much time focusing on missing the family instead of the race. God is with you and you will do well. We all wish we could be there cheering you on.
Brad: Be of good cheer Pal. Christmas does
ReplyDeletenot start this year until you hit Wellington!
Pete R., Charleston
Big B, it's Brad Cromartie- Superstick Push Poles- that you shared the warehouse space with in Charleston. Congratulations on the 1st leg! I hope all is well on the high seas! Also, Congrats to Jeffrey on joining the club! Hey to JC and the other guys too. I've enjoyed following your adventure and look forward to reading more. Man, that tuna probably looked mighty tasty. I've been crushing the Trout and Redfish- the invitation is still open.
ReplyDeleteHey Brad
ReplyDeleteHope you're getting plenty of wind and speed to get way out front. Godspeed! And no news is good news.
Brad I've seen you cry and I've seen you pee into a fire while singing at the top of your lungs. You're a blessed man with a beautiful wife and 2 beautiful children who will fiercely miss you on Christmas morning which will only make your reunion in New Zealand that much more fulfilling. Love u man
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas Brad, I think Santa has some West winds for ya very soon! I use this site for 180 hour winds forecast. http://www.stormsurf.com/locals/salta.shtml
ReplyDeleteI hope that you had as joyous a Christmas as you could. It must have been some comfort to have such light conditions after the 30 knots. Hang in there.
ReplyDelete