Dustin’s fish were caught while sailing the waters of Panama. We had the opportunity to be aboard S/V Tiama to assist Dustin as line handlers while transiting the Panama Canal. This was an experience we will never forget, watching the massive doors open to let the Pacific ocean rush the last locks of the canal was unforgettable. Our dear friend started in the Pacific and this was his first time to return to those waters in 7.5 years. Here’s a bit more about Dustin and please check out his website here.
I started sailing in effort to become the first double amputee to circumnavigate the world solo. On June 18th 2014, with limited sailing knowledge and even more limited funds, I casted the dock lines on my $12,000, seen-better-days, 1968 35ft Alberg sloop. My journey may have started with some heartbreak, a little ignorance, and a massive chip on my shoulder. This same journey and I have evolved to what I hope becomes a lifelong platform for adventure and exploration. I no longer care about a record, being first, or any publicity about my trip. I think what has made my journey to date so interesting is becoming part of a tight sailing community and my interactions with island peoples through the pacific and Asia. Many places I visit don’t have internet, hospitals, antibiotics, or any reliable source of outside information. One of the most unique experiences I have is interacting with remote islanders whom have never seen a person survive injuries as serious as mine, let alone see them sail solo to their home. Misadventures with my love life seem to also be entertaining for my fellow sailors.
