The afternoon was cool and overcast as I sat at my desk, looking seaward from my apartment outside Newport, RI. The phone rang. I didnt know the caller, but she explained that she wanted to learn about weather routing. She was determined to do a Mini Transat campaign, had three sons in their late teens, lived in Annapolis, and worked as a marine surveyor with her partner, Peter. “Im sure I can help you with that,” I said, explaining that there were probably a few other things I could help with as well. I had managed round the world, single – handed campaigns and had done my share of single – and double – handed ocean crossings. “Well be presenting a weather seminar here in Newport in a few weeks – why dont we start with that?”

That was 12 or 14 years ago, and the caller, Gale Browning, has since gone on to sail a Mini from France to Brazil in the Mini Transat Race, race up the East Coast in the Tybee 500, cruise around Cape Horn, and log thousands of miles on deliveries – some of which Im happy to admit weve done together.I was happy to help Gale learn a bit about weather interpretation and using that information to create a strategy. With the aid of a few other people, I was able to put her in touch with experts on sleep awareness/ deprivation training and other topics. Passing the information along, I was able to learn as much as I taught, and in the process everyone benefitted. The transfer of knowledge takes on a multifaceted nature as thoughts and procedures are reviewed and refined. In fact, every time I give a seminar, do an online webinar or sail with other committed people, we all learn from each other. The most recent delivery was no exception.

Gale is a quiet, thoughtful person. But dont confuse that with ambivalence. On the latest delivery – from Camden, Maine to Plymouth, England aboard Asante, an Oyster 56 -Gale reached into her sea bag and pulled out a hand mirror almost immediately after arriving. It wasnt to help with her makeup; she carries the mirror so she can look around corners and behind hoses and fan belts in the engine compartment. Onboard a boat, Gales background as a marine surveyor is a huge asset; on the flip side, the time she spends onboard gives her a practical, realistic perspective as a marine surveyor. The two activities serve to reinforce each other.

Boat deliveries often take on a loose format: arrive at the boat, check out what needs to be done, create a pre – departure list, complete the work list, provision, check the weather, head to sea. After quite a few deliveries with Gale and without much discussion, we each undertake our own set of inspections and tasks. While her head is in the engine room or checking out the plumbing in the bilge, mine is often in front of the computer, checking out the weather or making sure the instruments and communications systems are all in order. Throughout the preparation stage we keep each other informed about the progress were each making or the problems were running into. Was the EPIRBs battery checked recently? Are the Racor filters clean, and are replacement filters onboard? Is the radar working, and is the scanner gimbaled or is it fixed? After doing numerous deliveries to and from the Caribbean or back and forth across the Atlantic, if weve asked the right questions and checked all of the right things prior to departure, most of our offshore conversations can be about her most recent cross – country motorcycle trip or how she is progressing with her documentary filmmaking.

Our Asante delivery fit the format. We created, divided and conquered the lists with guidance and help from the boats owner, Andrew, and Charlie, the youngest member of our crew. From start to finish, this delivery was a beautiful experience. In retrospect, Ive wondered what ingredients go into creating exceptionally pleasant passages. There are always tasks to accomplish. Sometimes the weather cooperates. Sometimes it doesnt. Equipment, even on the best – maintained vessels, occasionally misbehaves. And on long passages, there is enough time to cover the spectrum.

In essence, it occurs to me that shared responsibilities and contributions go a long way toward creating an atmosphere of mutual respect. Each member of the team contributes something to the cause, helping to build a feeling of camaraderie and mutual pride in the successes that are achieved along the route.

Andrew, a successful businessman, was instrumental in creating a good team – compatible while also bringing a wide diversity of backgrounds and abilities. Charlie helped create the enthusiasm that was central to everyones day – to – day engagement with the project. Gale not only made sure the mechanical is sues were addressed, but also record ed the trip in a brief documentary so everyone could enjoy it in retrospect. And I tried to keep us on track, heading toward the destination with minimal problems from the weather.

Gales documentary filmmaking has been years in the making. One of her efforts as a student was to help film a group of disabled U.S. veterans as they attempted to ascend a mountain in the Himalayas. Several of the veterans had below – the – knee amputations. One was blind. Those with “hidden injuries” such as PTSD were often the most challenged, feeling trivialized by society. But rather than concentrate on their disabilities, they elected to focus on their abilities. That film, “High Ground,” is currently being edited with the hope and expectation that it may be entered in the Sundance Film Festival.

Perhaps that sort of re – orientation of focus is what helps create many successful projects – whether climbing mountains or crossing oceans. People can accomplish more than is readily apparent when they focus on what they can do and help each other achieve tasks previously thought to be impossible.

On Gales website, she has a quote: “Adventure is a human need… the daring thing which makes us bigger than our usual selves.”. Surrounded by similar, supportive people, the entire group becomes larger and better for the effort. And the passages become truly memorable for all the right reasons.