...for updates over the past few days. I think the boy is starting to get it! Not trying to start a rant here...just thought some of the folks that have/had written him off as a kook might want to look at the site. He has an idea for something that can help us all as we go on trips. Jack Hart SEA-YA!
Check out the www.kensolo.com site...
- Thread starter jackhartjr
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Jack, you're misrepresenting ...
I read all the threads and I saw much valid criticism, but I don't think many wrote him off as a kook, as you might think. I was one who agreed with most of the criticism (maybe even all of it). Somebody even made the point that some of the most revered passage makers have had spectacular failures and sunk boats as well, only to triumph in later attempts. When you read his website, you can find many indications that Ken was thoughtful and dedicated in his approach to the attempt. He also made his weaknesses plain to see. He invited the scrutiny and I don't think anybody should apologize for their harsh criticism when they are valid. Somebody on here did suggest that all (us) armchair sailors just shut the #&%@ up because we aren't out there "doing it". Even that criticism may have some validity, although it was pretty immature. Actually, Ken sounds like he is a pretty cool guy and I would definitely buy and read his story if he found the way to pick himself off the mats and make a successful circumnavigation. I even suggested that it could be a very profitable story, but it appears that Ken isn't really into the commercial aspect of life. He can be admired for that and if his idea for the web service takes hold, that could be a good service.
I read all the threads and I saw much valid criticism, but I don't think many wrote him off as a kook, as you might think. I was one who agreed with most of the criticism (maybe even all of it). Somebody even made the point that some of the most revered passage makers have had spectacular failures and sunk boats as well, only to triumph in later attempts. When you read his website, you can find many indications that Ken was thoughtful and dedicated in his approach to the attempt. He also made his weaknesses plain to see. He invited the scrutiny and I don't think anybody should apologize for their harsh criticism when they are valid. Somebody on here did suggest that all (us) armchair sailors just shut the #&%@ up because we aren't out there "doing it". Even that criticism may have some validity, although it was pretty immature. Actually, Ken sounds like he is a pretty cool guy and I would definitely buy and read his story if he found the way to pick himself off the mats and make a successful circumnavigation. I even suggested that it could be a very profitable story, but it appears that Ken isn't really into the commercial aspect of life. He can be admired for that and if his idea for the web service takes hold, that could be a good service.
We must learn from our mistakes
but also we should learn from the mistakes of others. All of us have made errors in judgement as we gained experience. If we open our plans to the scrutiny of others they may see flaws that we have overlooked. Nancy and I always play a game we call "What If" when we are planning something. Any question that starts with, "What if... " must be carried to an answer or conclusion. Should we not be able to put the question to rest then we know that we need to sturdy that possibility in depth, ask others with more experience. For instance "what if I catch a twenty pound fish when we are cruising way off shore. How can I not waste most of it? how can I not make us sick by trying to keep it too long? without refrigeration what can I use for preservatives? This is a question that needs answers before I put a hook in the water. Now I know that nothing goes to waste in nature but still....Killing a twenty pound fish for one meal is a bit extravigant.
but also we should learn from the mistakes of others. All of us have made errors in judgement as we gained experience. If we open our plans to the scrutiny of others they may see flaws that we have overlooked. Nancy and I always play a game we call "What If" when we are planning something. Any question that starts with, "What if... " must be carried to an answer or conclusion. Should we not be able to put the question to rest then we know that we need to sturdy that possibility in depth, ask others with more experience. For instance "what if I catch a twenty pound fish when we are cruising way off shore. How can I not waste most of it? how can I not make us sick by trying to keep it too long? without refrigeration what can I use for preservatives? This is a question that needs answers before I put a hook in the water. Now I know that nothing goes to waste in nature but still....Killing a twenty pound fish for one meal is a bit extravigant.
Scott...
...it is possible that I used the wrong word in Kook. For that I am sorry. Perhaps I should have said something along the lines of this; For everyone out there hanging the boy out to dry, take a look at some of the entries he has made since he got back, he looks like he has eaten his humble pie and is moving on in a positive manner. He also is trying to do something that can help us all as we make trips in the future. Jack Hart SEA-YA!
...it is possible that I used the wrong word in Kook. For that I am sorry. Perhaps I should have said something along the lines of this; For everyone out there hanging the boy out to dry, take a look at some of the entries he has made since he got back, he looks like he has eaten his humble pie and is moving on in a positive manner. He also is trying to do something that can help us all as we make trips in the future. Jack Hart SEA-YA!
Kensolo
I have been critical of some aspects of Ken's preparation but did find his post rescue musings to be quite moving. I never questioned his courage and commitment; I can also understand that even in expected conditions one wrong wave combination can overwhelm the best prepared boat. His comments on leaving the boat would give any boat lover pause. Preparation is the key to success but no guarantee. The circumnavigator's hero, Joshua Slocum, went off to explore in SOuth America and was never heard from again. We can all always learn more, and I suspect much of the challenge and joy of the sea, whether daysailing or circumnavigating or anything in between, is that there is no guarantee, and that any voyage returned from safely is a form of victory.
I have been critical of some aspects of Ken's preparation but did find his post rescue musings to be quite moving. I never questioned his courage and commitment; I can also understand that even in expected conditions one wrong wave combination can overwhelm the best prepared boat. His comments on leaving the boat would give any boat lover pause. Preparation is the key to success but no guarantee. The circumnavigator's hero, Joshua Slocum, went off to explore in SOuth America and was never heard from again. We can all always learn more, and I suspect much of the challenge and joy of the sea, whether daysailing or circumnavigating or anything in between, is that there is no guarantee, and that any voyage returned from safely is a form of victory.
Yep, Ted ...
I was pretty moved by his description of the last moments aboard his boat. I think he represented himself well in that passage.
I was pretty moved by his description of the last moments aboard his boat. I think he represented himself well in that passage.
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