People in someone's life who would rally for them without a question.
Let me take you back to three and a half years ago.
My brother and I were at the Rogers Cup tennis in Toronto. I remember it very vividly
I said to him, "I think I'm going to buy a catamaran and sail it back from South Africa."
We spent the next 30 minutes looking at Google Maps as I explained to him how it was done, the track, the stops, and the mission.
Immediately, he was in. It might have been the adventure, the uniqueness of the trip, his interest in sailing, or just because I asked him.
Over the next few years, as decisions were made, I picked the builders, options, technology, etc. I would keep him posted, but we rarely dug into it deeply.
We discussed it more over golf in the summer of 2024. As we golfed, we would talk a little bit about the mission, what it would take, and the timing.
The first week of November, at midday, he rolled out of the Port Elizabeth airport with his Cotopaxi and a North Face bag. He looked slightly disheveled from the trip but was ready to go.
Over the next few weeks, he was another set of eyes and ears as so much information was being shared.
In almost the first post, I wrote about how my brother, and I have spent a fair amount of time in Africa, and this was the proper way to re-visit and the proper way to leave.
Over 35 days of sailing, we have spent 100 watches together, cooking meals, snacks, and many coffees. We never fight, and there is no tension. The trip has its ups and downs, and sleep is complex. The sailing was, at times, challenging.
But I knew I could count on him.
We added to our already long list of experiences together: Outside of the sail, St Helena, Fernando, and Grenada.
It was a big ask, I know that. It was a big commitment from him.
But there are few others I would have wanted to rally on the mission with, spend time with, and accomplish this sail with.
My relationship with my brother is unique and special. I know it, and I do not take it for granted.
There are only a few….
Thanks, G
