MODERN DAY MAGELLANS Absender: "Aroundalone" Empfänger: redaktion@segel.de Datum: 05. Feb 2003 05:23 It has been interesting to watch the global outpouring of sympathy and posthumous affection and recognition lauded on the Columbia astronauts. I believe that the affection and recognition are well deserved, but wonder why it takes a tragedy before a society stands up and applauds the efforts of those who pioneer the way for others. It is important for a civilized society to have people among us who are prepared to push the boundaries and test the limits, and their efforts should be recognized each and every day, and not only when disaster strikes. I am not talking about those that push the boundaries in a negative way, but rather those, like astronauts and Around Alone skippers, who test the limits in a positive way. What, you may ask, do Around Alone skippers have in common with astronauts? ThatÂ’s a fair question. Many people view these sailors, and sailing in general, as a bunch of elitists avoiding the realities of a real job. That could not be further from the truth. The Around Alone is a unique event that attracts unique individuals. These men and women are most certainly pioneers; they inspire by example and through their efforts they touch the hearts of many "ordinary" people from all walks of life. I know that I am not the only who has been inspired by the stories that come back from the boats. I get dozens of emails each day from people around the world who log on and enjoy the exploits of these sailors. In fact I received an email this morning that gave me the idea for this story. It came from a man in Texas, and with his permission I am printing it here. Brad van Liew - die modernen MAGELLANS Billy Black photo Bernard Stamm hoch im Mast seiner Bobst Group Armor Lux Jacques Vapillon photo Emma Richards - mit guten Schoten zum Erfolg Thierry Martinez photo "I live near Dallas, Texas," he wrote. "On Saturday morning I was awakened by the sound of a space shuttle exploding at Mach 18 overhead. In an instant, seven modern day Magellans were lost. They died pursuing adventure and scientific knowledge. Right now, everyone around here is pretty torn up over this horrible tragedy. I am looking at the amazing spirit that leads fragile humans to pit themselves against such odds. That makes the loss seem even greater, but it leaves me awestruck at the strength that brought them to that point. It also makes me think of the skippers and crews of the Around Alone. While the speeds are slower, the dangers are still present and I am deeply honored to be witness to this group of incredible people." He signed his name Ken Harrelsen. The Around Alone sailors are indeed modern day MagellanÂ’s and their stories are not only interesting and inspirational, they are the stuff of pure adventure. They resonate with a spirit found in all of us. For most of the time that spirit lies latent and itÂ’s only when it gets tickled by tragedy or triumph that it comes to life. Rather than wait for another tragedy, letÂ’s instead celebrate the triumphÂ’s, both big and small, that these brave men and Emma encounter on their journey around the world. Maybe you will never be blasted into outer space or circumnavigate solo, maybe you have no desire to, but if my reports and your own spirit lead you to do something extraordinary and fulfilling with your life, then the memory of the seven astronauts and the example set by the eleven Around Alone skippers will not be in vain. --- Brian Hancock great.circle@verizon.net Copyright © 1996-2016 - SEGEL.DE