TRAVEL: A Journey of Self-Discovery
A Chance Encounter
A few weeks ago, through a mutual acquaintance, I met Reid Stowe, about whom, being a sailor myself, I had long read about and admired.
Reid’s Yacht
His yacht, named Anne after his mother, he had built himself. The gaff rigged schooner was 70 feet long and 16 feet wide, made of steel and fiberglass. It took him one and a half years to complete it.
Reid’s schooner
The Journey
Before departing from New York, he loaded six tons of non perishable food to feed himself. He set sail in April, 2007, and proceeded across the Atlantic towards Cape Horn and the Pacific Ocean. He returned to New York 1,152 days later.
Did he encounter any dangerous weather? Yes, he replied. On one occasion, his vessel was struck by an enormous wave which turned it upside down. Luckily, the yacht righted itself and he suffered no injuries.
Reid Stowe in front of a painting he made using one of the sails used on his journey
Future Plans
Recently, he reached out to Elon Musk with the hope that together they could form a company called Mars Analogue. Its purpose was to train future astronauts to survive long periods in outer space. He is still waiting for a response.
Conclusion
A truly amazing story. And, hopefully, an inspiration to others.
FAQs
Q: How long did Reid’s journey take?
A: 1,152 days
Q: What was the purpose of his journey?
A: To cross the Atlantic Ocean and back, and to test his sailing skills and endurance.
Q: Did he encounter any challenges during his journey?
A: Yes, he faced rough weather and had to deal with the physical and mental demands of being at sea for an extended period.
Q: What is Reid’s current plan?
A: He is still waiting for a response from Elon Musk regarding their proposed company, Mars Analogue.