22.11.2008
http://media.pumaoceanracing.com
New Leg 2 Week 1 Video available for download on media site.
LEG 2 DAY 8
"Adversity builds strength and character".
Honestly I have no idea who said this- probably no one- but it sounded
pretty good so I ran with it.
We are charging along through the Indian Ocean still at a phenomenal pace
for the race. This leg was projected to be closer to 20 days long and at
this rate we could be out here for a total of 15 or so. Don't want to
jinx ourselves but if the pace keeps up and the weather through the end of
the race holds true, I am sure this pace will find some shore and
operations teams scrambling.
Obviously our wounded monster is pretty well documented at this point. The
power tools and grinders were out again today and there was another little
situation that had to be dealt with, but nothing major at this point. All
repairs holding (knock on wood).
There has been a phenomenal by-product of this whole mess though. And
that is the support that is starting swell from all over the place for the
PUMA Cat--or "the monster" as we so brazenly call her. A step back for a
second. My brother Brad, who is a great sailor in his own right and may
be out here if his weak stomach would ever let him, runs a community
sailing center and non profit foundation called Sail Newport. Sail
Newport's greatest attribute is that it reaches kids. Not just the
privileged but any kid that wants to learn to sail. It has had amazing
success since its inception, the year the America's Cup was lost in 1983.
One of their best inventions to date, I believe, is their program called
"Race Around the World- Learning at the Extreme.” Brad and his crew had
gone out to some local teachers to help them put together a curriculum
that deals with marine science, math, geography, computer science and the
environment...focusing on grades that teach approximately 10-12 year olds
(selfishly chosen I might add as he and I have 11 and 12 year olds). A of
couple months ago they just did a small announcement about its
availability and were amazed at the response from all over the place. I
am sure it isn't too late for you teachers out there to join in the fun by
the way.
Anyway, my point after all this rambling is that we have received tons of
emails from school kids about our "wounded kitty.” Amazing notes, from
completely innocent young kids- notes that have been fantastically
inspiring to our crew. Genuine emotion from kids who for the most part
don't know us from Adam- who are hoping that there is a "veterinarian out
here in the Indian Ocean so the PUMA kitty can get better". Special
thanks to the one kid who suggested that it was easier to win if we
actually "stayed afloat.” Thanks, I'll remember that. And finally the
note from a 5th grade girl "I am so sorry for what happened to your boat.
But I think it is so great that you are going to keep going in the race.
It is exactly the right attitude to have, you're not giving up!" Tons of
these notes and they all bring a smile to our faces, every single one.
So, our hope that the sport of sailing can do some good is coming true. It
puts things in perspective out here. We can't wait to see a lot of these
kids in Boston, but wherever you are all over the world tuning in to
"Learning at the Extreme" thanks for your thoughts and the kitty has
found a vet and she is hopefully healthy enough to have a great result in
to India.
- Kenny
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