Our Mission
03 August 2011
Jeff
I bought the trimaran Hecla in 2007. My goal then was to become competent in ocean sailing and begin long-range blue-water sailing in 2011, the year I became an empty nester. I chose as my training platform to compete in the Singlehanded Transpacific Yacht Race organized by the Singlehanded Sailing Society of San Francisco Bay, an organization of very friendly and somewhat eccentric folks, whose own mission is to promote safety and seamanship through training and sharing of ideas in a cooperative and competitive arena. Why couldn't I just sail to Hawaii on my own? Sure, lists of recommended offshore safety equipment abound, just run down one of those and take off.... I know myself well enough to know that I might get 80% through that list and call it good enough. But for an organized, inspected race, there are no exceptions, no bending the rules. Get it right or stay home. I needed that discipline. My former boss and colleague used to say: "Wise people learn from the mistakes of others." The SSS offered seminars, pubby war stories, and camaraderie for learning before the race started, and endless personal challenges during the +/- two weeks of the TransPac solo sailing on the wide ocean blue.
OK, I did it. Twice even, 2008 and 2010. Some sailors get drawn to that event like bugs to a light...
Hecla has claimed new ownership as of July 2011, and is expected to be plying the Caribbean and other Atlantic waters soon.
Hold on, I'm getting off track. I am supposed to be writing about The Mission.
The trimaran Hecla's mission was: "To cross oceans and explore the coastal lands where yachts seldom visit." Off the beaten path so to speak, almost like Parry and crew, though uncharted waters don't really exist any more. Hecla's mission was only partially completed while under my ownership, however the mission passes in its entirety to the new catamaran Hekla.