After having a blast in La Paz and Kite Boarding in La Ventana it is time for Gadfly to continue on to Isla Isabella. It will be a roughly 300 mile passage back across the Sea of Cortez and should take about 3 days. Wind forcasts are very favorable and we anticipate smooth sailing. We want to put a shout out to Nates Uncle Irl, Aunt Barbara, and Roy Greening who had a huge hand in making this dream come true. Just a little history of Gadfly II for you. She is a Kaiulani 38' designed by Ted Brewer and built in Maine by John Yohe for Roy and Barbara Greening in 1986. You can check specs here: http://www.tedbrewer.com/sail_steel/kaiulani38.htm
After traveling much of the east coast, and Great Lakes, she was hauled out and trucked to the West Coast where Roy and Barb travelled north through the inside passage until reaching Juneau where they worked in the medical field and settled. Roy developed cancer and passed away leaving Barb, Gadfly, and their beautiful home on the southern Alaska coast behind. Years later, Nate's uncle Irl developed a strong friendship with Barb and they eventually fell in love. In 2005 Nate and his father Steve hiked the Chilkoot Trail with Irl and Barb. During the excursion there was much discussion about the future of Gadfly II. Barb was reluctantly attempting to sell her as she was in need of serious maintenance and becoming a burden. Nate and Steve offered to take her over and maintain her. They both had a lot of sailing experience and wanted to do some world traveling. Gadfly II would be the perfect vessel. Thinking she would be sold soon they never expected what happened next. Barb had some people lined up to purchase but the deal fell threw. She called them and asked if they were serious about wanting Gadfly. They said "Of Course!" and she responded with "Well come get her!" 7 months later all 4 of them were headed south through the inside passage together. Barb and Irl said goodbye to Gadfly II in Port Townsend Washington. Steve and Nate continued south to Ventura California where Gadfly was hauled out and underwent a major 2 1/2 month overhaul. Nate designed a new stainless tower with davits and solar panels and a new paint scheme honoring her Alaskan roots. Lots of time and $$ was invested to get her up to date and pretty once again. After splashing her, Nate and Steve continued south to Mexico where they met many fellow cruisers and developed friendships with people from all walks of life. Sean Schesinger and Luke Bishop were some of those people. Then aboard SV Cloud Dancer they had just finished college and were on a cruising vacation of Mexico. Gadfly and Cloud Dancer met up in Cabo San Lucas during New Years of '07/'08. Continued buddy boating south creating many memories and having lots of laughs. Eventually anchoring in Barra de Navidad where they spent almost 3 months with lots of new friends. They left Barra de Navidad in late March and travelled back North to San Carlos where Luke's parents have a beautiful house overlooking the bay. Gadfly II was hauled out and put in Marina Seca (Dry Storage) awaiting it's crew for the next season. Things didn't work out completely according to plan due to the economy and took a couple of years before we could get back to Mexico.
But here we are 2011 and settting sail once again! The current crew of Gadfly II includes:
Nathan Palmer
Jacqui Bishop
Sean Schesinger
Luke Bishop
We are a crew of young, adventurous persons with similar interests and varied skills. Very key to the success and over all enjoyment of our voyage. We are trying to figure out ways to extend our voyage through sponsorships and donations. We are capturing lots of great video footage and and pictures. If anyone out there has friends in the "Industry" we are very interested in any help that they may be able to provide. Thanks for subscribing to our blog and please be patient as we will have some edited video up for your enjoyment soon!
May you be smiling down on us Roy! And another BIG thanks again to Irl and Barb up in Juneau, AK. We love you lots!
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