Better to have fallen...

Introduction

15.12.08 - ...than never to have flown at all!

© Anne quemere

I'm on my way to Panama under a steady drenching rain. The only difference today is that I can find some beautiful scenery, from the wheelhouse of the cargo ship. The rain falls steadily but the skies change color from sombre grey to charcoal black. At 35 metres from the waters surface, my nose stuck to the porthole, the ocean takes on a different aspect. My playing field, which for the past 5 weeks seemed infinite, is reduced to the size of the wave that was throwing me around in my little cockpit.

This huge vessel is fitted with stabilizers which reduces to virtually nothing the effect of the waves. From a steady 5 knots (0.9 in the Doldrums) to over 23 knots, I have the distinct impression of having traded my bicycle for a Formula 1.

There are numerous ways to interpret the setback I just lived and undoubtedly, today my deception is huge. Regardless, I feel I have tried what was humanely possible to transform this cherished dream into reality. For the past two years that I worked on this project, I knew the dangers and risks to be encountered and its useless to mull over the past events. I'm trying as much as I can to take advantage of the present in order to appreciate this new world of the ocean, which is mine to discover.

As I look at these merchant marine sailors, I discover what life is on board a freighter. These men are far from their families for months on end and they often work in difficult situations.

In spite of the Captains desire to recover the Oceankite (Adrien), we had to leave it on the water to decide by itself the trail that it will take. I left my coordinates on board hoping that some fishing boat will recover it or that it will hit land somewhere in a few months time.

My family's wonderful support as well as the sponsors' and the numerous messages received, have encouraged me greatly as well as the crew's spontaneous generosity all contribute to alleviate the pain associated with this setback. It helps me look at the future in a calmer and more serene atmosphere.

Anne.

For further information on Anne's Pacific Ocean kite surfing voyage, please go to www.anne-quemere.com.