On the Wind Sailing

#3. Matt Rutherford, the first person ever to sail solo and nonstop around the Americas, recounts the first Ocean Research Project expedition to the North Atlantic Gyre and the inspiration and hard work that got him there in the first place (don't miss Episode 2, released earlier today, when Matt describes the dramatic salvage attempt on the Swan 48 Wolfhound during this trip). Otherwise known as the 'Atlantic Garbage Patch' - the Pacific's ugly cousin - Rutherford and NOAA scientist Nicole Trenholm sailed nearly 7,000 miles to gather and bring back home samples he hopes will help solve at least a little bit of our ocean's problems. The couple spent 80 days at sea, including a short stop in Bermuda for repairs and refueling. This is the story.

#2. This is the riveting story of Matt and the R/V Ault's dramatic five-day salvage attempt on the abandoned Swan 48 Wolfhound, told by the man himself. I caught up with Matt just after his first Ocean Research Project expedition to the Atlantic Gyre. He and scientist Nicole Trenholm were collecting data on the plastics accumulating in the 'Great Atlantic Garbage Patch,' for lack of a better description. They came across the abandoned Swan 48 Wolfhound 700 miles east of Bermuda on their return voyage. The boat had been sighted several times previously, as reported by Charlie Doane on sailfeed.com. Matt knew nothing of this, and went over to investigate, fearing the worst. 

#1. We're kicking things off with Allan Palmer, captain of the brig 'Tre Kronor' out of Stockholm, and native of Mariehamn, in the Aland Islands. Andy and Allan discuss the 'International Association of Cape Horners', what it's like to rig a traditional square-rigged ship, and how he's trying to save some of the old seafaring traditions in the Baltic. We recorded the episode in the captain's quarters aft on the 'Tre Kronor', at a small wooden desk beside the nav station. Very cool.

Trailer: This is ‘On the Wind,’ the podcast about offshore sailing, where Andy Schell interviews sailors from all walks of life to discover what inspires them in an effort to inspire you! ‘On the Wind’ publishes once per week on Tuesdays, with 3 new episodes each month, and one ‘recycled’ episode from the archive. Andy has interviewed everyone from legends like Sir Robiin, to tech gurus like Nigel Calder, boat builders like Magnus Rassy, family owner of the eponymous, legendary cruising boats Hallberg Rassy, inspirational family sailors like Totem, YouTube stars SV Delos & Andy's personal favorite, Arctic sailor and octogenarian Bob Shepton. ‘On the Wind’ is free to listeners, though if you dig it, we ask that you support the show via Patreon or by donating directly to us. Or better yet, some sailing with us on Isbjorn, our S&S Swan 48, and experience the wisdom of the high seas for yourself. See all of our work, including On the Wind, at 59-north.com. Thanks for listening & hold fast!