Bon Voyage- Post 1

April 8, 2023 - Day 1 of (not sure how many days it takes; projecting maybe May 24th)

Early - 6:30 AM ET - rise on the Severn River with Terri, Taylor, Cara, and Millie ready for a walk to Gary’s Grille for my family bon voyage breakfast.

We left for Dulles Airport at 1 PM ET with positive vibes for making it on the 5:20 PM flight to Paris - thanks to my buddy Mule for putting me on his United buddy pass standby list. Terri, Taylor, and Cara dropped me at the curb with a few selfies, a short fair-well video, and big hugs and kisses. Then my trip was officially underway, at least the plane to Paris portion. Thanks to Mule and a terrific attendant at the gate (Lauren) I ended up on the flight in 32G, “Premium Economy!” Free wine, beer, and food for the next 7 hours!

For anyone that has not heard me say it, “I have imagined doing a transatlantic crossing on a sailboat since I was 12 and seriously planning it for the last 2.5 years.” I encourage everyone to try it! But if a transatlantic crossing is not your cup of tea, at least pursue your dreams – it is the only way they will become a reality.

Once the plane took off at 5:30 PM, I followed my families’ instructions and opened the pouch they handed me, which was full of letters. As I soon learned, they are labeled with a schedule for when I can open each one throughout the next 7 weeks.  Since a few were labeled to open “As I begin my trip,” I did!

I am going to save the details of who wrote what until I am updating you underway over the coming weeks. But I will share now with great joy and warm happiness, “I am blessed by God everyday to have such a wonderful family and group of close friends.”  Their letters, poems, and stories are going to come in very handy over the next 7 weeks.

Standing down for now, as we roll to take off from the USA to Paris France! I think there are a few whiskies in my near future tonight.

Cheers,

Paul

P.S. Once we depart La Rochelle (around April 15th 9 AM France time) you can click on this tracker link to follow us across the Atlantic on an interactive map via Iridium Go - thanks to Captain Anthony. More about Anthony and his experience soon. I’ll just say, he had my attention at “hello.”