Imagine sailing 271 days at sea. Around the world. By yourself and without stopping. On a 32-foot boat built in 1975. Frightening idea? Foolish? Probably. But that’s what Jerome Rand did and he lived to tell us about it.
Jerome is our speaker at the next AYC monthly meeting, beginning at 7p on Tuesday, October 8, at Dave & Buster’s at Tempe Marketplace (map). It’s near Lucille’s Smokehouse. Arrive early for dinner (and avoid ordering during the meeting). Members and guests are welcome.
Since returning home safely, Jerome has been presenting the story of his incredible journey. In the 271 days at sea, supplies and food fell short, equipment broke down, and the harsh environment took its toll. Being farther from land than rescue can reach, it was up to him to deal with all the problems as they came, all while living in isolation aboard the tiny vessel. It’s a story of perseverance and just trying to hold mind, body and boat together from beginning to end.
Jerome kept photos and video of his trip and will bring those to show us, along with charts and diagrams of the journey. He started in Gloucester, Massachusetts, headed across the North Atlantic almost to the Azores, then turned south. Passing by the Cape Verde Islands on the way to the Equator, the route passed the North East Trade winds and then plunged into the Doldrums. From there it was south on a heading for Cape Town, South Africa, to pass into the Indian Ocean and the Southern Ocean gales and south of Australia, New Zealand, and finally Cape Horn. Then, once again he crossed the South Atlantic and North Atlantic on the way home to Gloucester.
Mike and Maryellen Ferring got to know Jerome as the charismatic, fun director of watersports at the Bitter End Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands. They followed Jerome’s trip on Facebook (yes, even in ocean isolation there’s Facebook) and are delighted to have him speak at the October AYC gathering.
