June 10, 2005

Harry Heckel is featured in this month's Lats and Atts. I can't link to this on their site because it's not on there but here's a bit about him from Latitude 38's blog

He was submitted to the Guiness Book of Records as the oldest circumnavigator but they declined as they didnt "want to encourage such behavior". Miserable sods!

Link: June 10, 2005.

Heckel Completes Second Circumnavigation at Age 89

June 10 - Jacksonville, FL

That's right, for on June 4, 89-year-old Harry Heckel, frequently written up in Latitude 38, docked his Dreadnought 32 at Jacksonville, Florida, marking the end of his second circumnavigation.

"The event marked more than just the end of 16 years of solo sailing," said Heckel, "it marked time for me to get off the bridge and become a passenger. At age 89, it's best to let someone else do the heavy lifting aboard Idle Queen.

"The 10-year period of my second trip around the world has been a time of significant learning for me," continued Heckel. "It became apparent that people who travel to new places in small boats are, as a group, the finest in the world. They are interested in people, places, and events, cognizant of the need to be on the lookout for trouble, and always ready to assist a fellow traveler. My belief that on a one-to-one basis, people from whatever country can be friendly and helpful, particularly to the elderly, was amply confirmed. My traveling now will be limited to U.S. waters and with a companion. Regards to all my friends."

Well done, Harry!

Comments

[Tillerman]

What a bloke! I guess that when I'm too old for Laser sailing, breaking that record is something I can look forward to in about 30 years time.