Sailing the Open Seas: A Journey of a Lifetime
Introduction
Hartley, a 25-year-old former middle school teacher, left land on October 7, 2023, and has been sailing the open seas ever since. He is now on a mission to circumnavigate the world in his 27-foot sailboat, Songbird, a journey he expects to take around five years.
In the Footsteps of the Wind
“Part of this life is going with the flow and following the winds,” said Hartley in an interview with PEOPLE. For him, “following the winds” is not just a metaphor. He has chosen the life of a sailor, embracing every challenge and adventure that comes with it. His journey has taken him through storms, high winds and some incredible sea life moments, such as being surrounded by a pod of porpoises recently.
The Journey of a Lifetime
A five-year circumnavigation is a leisurely pace in the sailing community, states Hartley. With many stops planned for fuel and stock, there are also week-long stretches during which Hartley cruises alone on the open water. He has shared most of his journey on social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok, gaining millions of followers.
Scariest Moments
Making such a trip alone also presents several dangers, with Hartley’s first time leaving the Strait of Juan de Fuca being a particularly terrifying experience. He faced 30-foot waves and huge offshore winds, with the boat dangerously overpowered. He had to turn the boat 180 degrees around, facing wind to balance the boat. Hartley says it was the most dangerous moment he’s faced, but adds that it’s no horror story.
The Exhilarating Moments
The trip has been mostly exhilarating, with moments like sailing through the edge of a hurricane-sized storm and 30-knot winds, describing the six days as the most challenging moments of his sailing experience. As Songbird sailed 150 miles offshore in late October, Hartley said it was the coldest he has ever been in his life.
Life on a Saiboat
Hartley has also given his followers a glimpse into his daily life aboard Songbird. He answers hundreds of questions, such as how he sleeps on the boat (usually poorly, as sleeping quarters often get wet during moments of high winds sending sea water within the boat). He also shares his meals, often catching and cooking fish on board or making fresh bread by using a bottle of wine in lieu of a rolling pin.
Staying Connected
With all the time spent alone, he shares his wiles of the day when not navigating. This includes playing the guitar, reading, watching movies downloaded before leaving land, and making celebratory music videos. He can also keep in touch with millions around the world using the boat’s power grid set up to be fully self-sufficient, harnessing solar energy to charge the battery bank and accessing the internet via Starlink.
Conclusion
Circumnavigating the world in a sailboat is a daring and adventurous feat undoubtedly, but Hartley seems to be making it look easy with his determination and love for sailing. Although the journey is in its early stages, Hartley’s postings and updates serve as an inspiration to the many who dream of a life at sea, as well as an opportunity to learn and appreciate the challenges that come with it.
Originally Post From https://people.com/former-teacher-scariest-moment-attempting-to-sail-globe-alone-exclusive-8671934
Read more about this topic at
The Life of a Sailor
Navigating the Seas of Self-Reliance: A Solo Sailor’s Journey