Ocean Planet soon to 'hit the water'

by Bruce Schwab on 6 Mar 2001 Ocean Sailing Fans,

Well it is only a matter of weeks now before 'Ocean Planet' hits the water, does the IMOCA rollover test (required by the class rules), and becomes a real 'Open 60.'

It seems a little surreal now, to be so close, like a dream. With so much work to do in so little time it seems impossible, but it is all coming together. When I think
about it though, it is no mystery why the impossible is happening: Because so many people want it to happen! Everyone is working so hard on all the countless tasks, it
is not a normal job for them. This is a dream we all insist on turning into reality! I can't thank our Team and supporters enough.

Of course we always more money but I'm used to that...

Ocean Planet goes to School!
Last thursday I did some 'Ocean Planet' presentations for a couple classrooms of great kids. It is so invigorating to see how interested such young folks are about the
sea. They have been studying about 'old' sea voyagers like Magellan and Columbus so they get excited about a 'hotrod' like an Open 60. They enjoyed hearing some
of my scarier sailing stories from when I was young.... They like exciting stuff.

What was really great was giving a splicing demonstration! I had made up about 70 little splicing kits for them, and they just went nuts over figuring it out. It is amazing
how smart some of these little sailors are. I had a feeling they would be smarter than the adults I show splicing to, and I was right! What fun. Even after the bell rang
they wanted to stay and splice and hear more stories. I owe their teacher Ann Thomas (who is quite a sailor herself), for inviting me and letting me do my thing. Can't
wait to do it again. Ann is going to set up the class to check in with our email updates so they can stay in touch.

Attached are some shots from one of the greatest group of kids, ever.

Tomorrow I leave for Portland for several days. There is lot to check out, although sometimes I'm sure Steve and the gang hope I'll stay out of the way! But that's tough, I
need to know this boat inside and out, more so than any boat I've ever been on.

Bruce Schwab
Skipper, OCEAN PLANET
Globe Challenges
www.oceanplanet.org
510-562-4466 office
510-508-9491 cell