Hi there,
Bernie here. I hope you’re doing well. I’m excited to present you with the inaugural issue of The Grit.
In this issue of The Grit, a transatlantic boat voyage in a boat shorter than the sailor, sailing to wild ponies and your thoughts.
What’s it like spending 105 days at sea in a sailboat shorter than you are tall?
Hugo Vihlen knows. At 62 years old, he sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in Father’s Day, a boat just 5 feet 4 inches long. He hand-steered through hurricanes. He ate quarter rations. And somewhere between Newfoundland and England, he lost a kidney.
His record still stands 30+ years later.
Join Hugo and me on the latest episode of the Travel Grit podcast to hear how he did it.
Hugo aboard his tiny boat Father’s Day
Rambling News
In rambling news, my wife Julia and I are making final preparations to visit Shackleford Banks on our sailboat Grit. We’re heading there to study the band of wild Banker ponies that have lived there for hundreds of years.
The Adventure to Shackleford Banks: Julia’s sketch of when, where and why.
I drew this map of Shackleford Banks for you. Yep, drawn with color pencils at the cabin table, not by some AI bot.
The same thing that makes great maritime equine habitat — lots of moisture, wind, and rain — is the same thing that makes it a challenge to visit by boat. That’s why this week I’m bolting a new anchor roller and a set of heavy bronze double cleats to Grit‘s foredeck.
Grit anchored out last fall on the Pamlico Sound, North Carolina, not far from Shackleford Banks. She’s a 1992 Nimble 24 yawl. Grit is trailerable, which means when she’s not floating, she lives in our hay barn.
Julia and I plan to post what we find at ConsideringAnimals.com and RiverEarth.com.
What’s Up?
It’s always great hearing from you, so feel free to drop me a line with anything on your mind — boats, rambling, spring chores, whatever. And if there are any old-school travelers you’d like me to interview on Travel Grit, let me know.
Write me here.
Now scrunch yourself up, climb aboard Father’s Day with Hugo and me, and hit that play button.
Stay Gritty,
Bernie
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