Going Home! (April 2014)

It is with a shaky hand that I type this update. I have decided to cut this journey short and sell Nirvana in Brisbane, Australia. It is funny; I was most worried about Nirvana and having her prepared before we left the Virgin Islands 10 months ago. Unfortunately it is the human aspects that force my decision. I am miserable away from Wendy and life is too short to spend almost a year in this state, just to say I sailed around the world. The most beautiful islands in the world pale in comparison to my most treasured Wendy. Moral has slipped on the boat. Eric and I have hardly spoken a word for the last three days and I do not see that improving anytime soon.

Brisbane is just over 1000 miles southwest of here. It will be a tight reach but shouldn’t be too bad sailing there. I could stop in New Caledonia but customs looks difficult and I am really not interested in stopping. The logistics of selling Nirvana will not be easy as she needs a lot of cosmetic work, red tape is extensive but it will be easier than the alternative of nine more months at sea.
I told Eric and Aaron last night, but we didn’t discuss it much. I am not sure what their plans will be but they will certainly let their friends and family know when it is all figured out. We are anchored off of Ambrym Island now and they went into shore at 5am to hike the volcano. I chose to stay on the boat as it is an eight hour hike and really don’t feel up to it.

We left Port Vila on Wednesday around noon spinnaker sailing and motoring the 130 miles here in very light SSE winds. We will probably spend another night or two on Ambrym then sail to Luganville, Santo about 60 miles to the northwest. I will call a couple of brokers in Brisbane that I have been emailing with and make plans. A lot is up in the air now but I have had enough and will somehow figure a way out of this mess. Thank you to everyone that has been following our journey.