We have all said it: 2020 was a difficult year. It has been difficult for BioTrek too. BioTrek had to be winterized, something Pierre and I said we would never do. We followed the rule of three — when three things or more go wrong, change plans. One week before our departure to Antigua with the Salty Dawg rally we decided not to sail to the Caribbean because of Pierre’s injury, Covid, and my father’s declining health. We travelled back to Canada and the year ended with my father passing away peacefully on December 31, 2020.
In some ways 2020 was a year of reckoning for many. What do we really want to do in life? For many, not commuting to work is pretty wonderful. Maybe some of you are thinking about taking time off for long-distance sailing? Working remotely is now easier than ever with zoom. Pierre and I want to really enjoy long-distance sailing in the years to come, and we are transitioning to reduce obligations.
What are our plans for sailing 2021? We predict that covid will continue to dominate 2021, so we have joined the Outremer round-the-world rally to facilitate international sailing. This is a slower-paced rally than other world rally’s, giving time to enjoy places where we will stop. Our current plan is to return to Europe summer 2021 to sail more of the Mediterranean, then return back to the Caribbean, the Panama canal and beyond in 2022 with the rally and friends.
What are our plans for YouTube? I originally started posting videos for my mother and father. I learned editing and have enjoyed the creative aspect of making videos, documenting our trips, and learning technical aspects of our boat. But creating videos is seriously time consuming. Now that my parents are no longer here, I will continue but will not post on a set schedule. Perhaps I will post several a month, but not necessarily once per week (as done by those who make their living posting sailing videos). I appreciate subscribers and have enjoyed meeting some subscribers based in New England, which is another fun aspect of YouTube. I am surprised and pleased that so many others enjoy our videos too, and Pierre and I plan to enjoy them when we look back at our world sailing adventures.
Please give me your thoughts about our plans for 2021 in the comments. Best wishes to all for 2021!
Hi Lisa,
I’m so sorry about your dad. He was such a nice guy, easy to talk to and friendly with everyone. I’m glad you’re not letting COVID stop you from doing what you want to do. Sailing is one sure way of respecting safety guidelines and having fun in these very difficult times. Quebec has imposed a curfew from 8PM to 5AM for the next month to try to stop the surge of infections. Anyway, sounds like your next trip will be a lot of fun. Can’t wait to watch those YouTube videos.
Stay Safe,
Charlie
Hi Pierre & Lisa – I am so sorry to hear about your recent lost, my heart goes to you and your family during this difficult time.
Your plan for 2021 sounds amazing and I can’t wait to read and view your posts. I believe it’s going to be a great adventure and I wish you a safe voyage.
Hi Pierre & Lisa,
I have enjoyed your blog and have now made a tentative deposit on an O 55. I have yet to speak directly with a current owner, especially one in N Amer. I’m in Virginia and would be delighted to chat a bit via private email, if indeed you all are comfortable.
Thank you,
Ed
P.S. And I too understand loss…always big, not matter the age. I am sorry.