12 Jul ETA Victoria – November 32 2026
ETA Victoria – November 32 2026
Yes, that is the correct date and not some auto-correct idiocy. November 32 2026 as in never in a thousand years.
I am becalmed (again), rolling miserably (again), in drizzle (again), with a Predict Wind forecast that makes zero sense (again), and no more granola bars to make it all better (sadly).
If anyone were to ask, I don’t think I could manage a better, more accurate, more succinct summary of the entire 5 Capes Voyage than the 31 words in the preceding paragraph.
At 09:00 local, I decided I had had enough of going in the wrong direction. The decision was made easier given that we were thrashing our way upwind in 22-25 knots and a building sea. I slowed the boat down so that we were gently fore reaching. Winds were almost due East and not anything like the forecasted light southerlies. The shift to south would come soon enough I figured so why heap the abuse on Seaburban for no good reason?
I waited.
I waited some more.
It began to rain.
The fog rolled in.
The wind backed into the Southeast.
Aha! Our good sense has been rewarded thought I. Off we went, headed due East for home. Well done! Bravo Zulu! Good on ya mate!
I guess too much rejoicing too soon. Within an hour, the wind evaporated and the rain began in earnest. Thinking it couldn’t be, I tried hand-steering, hardened sheets, footing off, and reefing down to scraps trying to minimize the banging and slatting of sails that was causing the whole boat to shudder. Clearly nothing was going to change the fact that there was no wind and not any likely in the near future. I caved in and lowered all sail reducing us to a drifting, helpless speck on a leaden, lifeless sea.
I ask why even though I know all too well there is no why. I ask how come even though I know there is no rhyme or reason. I ask when and am answered by a soundless eternity that would seem to imply never. I ask Sir Salty if he has any answers and he stirs not, feigning sleep so as not to disturb me further. Even Port and Starboard look away, pretending to be lost in some discussion as to the merits of a thorium reactor. Without answers, I feel my whole being sag under the weight of it all. I am suddenly tired. Weary beyond words.
I am so close but still so very very far.
Follow my tracks in real-time:
https://bit.ly/svseaburban
BT
Posted at 10:41h, 02 JulyBert, you are amazing! Following you progress and posts with great admiration for you courage and wishing / willing you success. You are on the downhill run now. All the best from an Aussie follower BT ( 2 degrees of separation from your Uncle Joe).
Sandi Lyon
Posted at 03:20h, 06 JulyThat looks about right. When it’s hot out in the ocean, its foggy and wet on the Wet Coast. That means you’re on the right track, heading the right direction. Finally. Woohoo.
Anita Kuntz
Posted at 00:10h, 08 JulyFollowing you journey and am truly amazed.
Suzan Persons
Posted at 15:43h, 09 JulyWhat an amazing journey!!
Karin Hill
Posted at 15:27h, 13 JulyBeen following you for a couple of months now. What an amazing journey! Your blog is insightful and humorous. Almost home. Safe travels!
MountainJack
Posted at 19:52h, 14 JulyHas to be an amazing feeling to be so near home, Bert.
Have spent months at sea “steaming”, not sailing, gaining my sea legs with the constant motion just became second nature. Getting back to a stable platform at dockside or over on the beach left me wobbly for a day or two. Cannot imagine how you’ll feel after a year of hardly ever being stable. There is that other thing having been on your own for that long; the familiarity of constant aloneness , the feeling of approach avoidance, being forced back into humanity. Might feel as though you could just extend a little bit more and savor the experience just a little longer…naw, probably not.
Welcome back home, Bert. You’ve completed one heck of a feat.
Arthur Oliver
Posted at 04:33h, 15 JulyGetting oh so close. What’s the ETA?
estelle C whiddon
Posted at 02:58h, 16 JulyBert, your homecoming Saturday will be a joyous occasion! I have followed the voyage daily and hope your arrival home brings much joy.
Peter Jungschaffer
Posted at 07:19h, 18 JulyThis has been so great. Thank you!!!
BT
Posted at 09:50h, 18 JulyHi Bert, you are just a few hours away from home. We are cheering for your most successful journey. We are especially amazed at the sailing conditions below Australia and New Zealand, as we can have some very big polar blasts hit us at this time of the year. Cannot imagine what it was like to sail through that type of weather. Can only take of hats off to you I amazement. Hope that you make it to Oz for a visit. What a wonderful achievement you have accomplished. /bt
Antonio Corbelletta
Posted at 16:15h, 18 JulyCongratulations! What an adventure! Well done. I have enjoyed tracking your voyage everyday just wish I would have know about it earlier, from the beginning.
Suzan
Posted at 18:13h, 18 JulyYeahhhhhhhhh Bert!!! You have done it!!!
Happy Homecoming – And stay safe!!!
It isn’t the same world that you left!!
I’m going to miss reading your travels and your adventures!! But thrilled that you’re home (almost) safe and sound!!
Next trip around the world, hope that you’ll stop along the way and post your photos of the locals and the ports!!
Raegan Elford
Posted at 19:23h, 18 JulySoldier who has logged more sea time than this Navy sailor.
What an incredible accomplishment (the journey vice logging more sea time than I)
BZ
Marianne Scott
Posted at 18:25h, 19 JulyCongratulations on your accomplishment! I guess we will have to put up a plaque commemorating your voyage on the Victoria Harbour wall.
Hope to see you this week.
Marianne Scott
Tom Cory
Posted at 07:40h, 23 JulyCongradulations Bert from Annapolis MD. A Great Adventure.
Mark
Posted at 12:24h, 29 JulyI don’t think that anyone that attended Estevan Junior High could have imagined that this was in the future for one of it’s students. I checked in at different legs of the journey and was fascinated every time. Congrats!