We received this release from Hunter Marine today, thought you might enjoy it. Alachua, FL. (December 18, 2007) Lifelong adventurer and photojournalist Mike Harker has announced his planned arrival in Miami, FL for early February, successfully completing a one year circumnavigation. Harker expects to make landfall just prior to the opening of the Strictly Sail Miami 2008 boat show. His yacht, Wanderlust III is a 2007 Hunter 49 and will be part of Sail America's Discover Sailing program during the sailboats only exhibition at Bayside Marina, February 13-18, 2008. Harker will also make seminar presentations at the show describing his experiences during the year long adventure. Living his dream to sail around the world is an extraordinary accomplishment considering the extensive injuries Harker suffered in a 1977 hang gliding accident. Outdoor Life Network's series "The 20 Most Courageous" profiled Harker in 2004 for his bold exploits pioneering the sport of hang gliding in the 1960's and 70's. In 1977 he fell from a height of nearly 400 feet, breaking over 30 bones and putting him in a coma for 11 months. Despite predictions that he would never leave a wheelchair, intense determination pushed him through an aggressive recovery program eventually allowing him to walk and hang glide again. Harker is also a professional photographer and videographer, skills well suited to sharing his adventurous lifestyle with an online audience. Harker is currently sailing solo through the South Atlantic Ocean with planned stops remaining in St. Helena and Puerto Rico. Text and photo reports sent throughout his voyage have been posted at TheSailingChannel.TV, the internet TV channel for cruising sailors. Wanderlust III is a 2007 Hunter 49. The builder, Hunter Marine Corporation, has provided Harker with some support during the trip. Hunter's Director of Sales and Marketing, John Peterson said "We are working hard to dispel the perception and myth that our new models are not suitable for long range "bluewater" cruising. Over the last 8 years, our engineering team led by Glenn Henderson, has designed a completely new line of cruisers and reinvented our production process. Our boats are stronger, more stable, more maneuverable, easier to sail and more comfortable than ever before. Providing all that at an affordable price has always been the mission of Hunter Marine. We build boats for achievable dreams and back them up with the best warranty and customer service program in the industry. We are proud to be a part of Mike's story, and anxious for the sailing community to appreciate the effort we've put into improving our products over the last 8 years." Having been very pleased with his first two boats, Wanderlust III is Harker's third and largest Hunter model. "Hunter has always provided me with a lot more boat than I thought I could afford. At the same time, they've all been great performers that were easy to sail and exceptionally comfortable both above and below decks. Wanderlust III has exceeded my expectations in a number of ways, she's an amazing boat!" Harker reports that in typical conditions he's been able to sail at an average of 7.5 - 8.5 knots, and added, "I have had more than a dozen 200 mile days and am progressing very quickly across the oceans. It even gives me more time than planned to spend in the locations I enjoy." Video introduction to Mike Harker, Current weblog reports and Outdoor Life Networks "Most Courageous" story: http://thesailingchannel.com/wanderlust3/
Rick D.