REFLECTIONS ON PANAMA

Posted byRichard HewsonPosted inUncategorized

In February 2010 I was transiting through Panama Canal in a Swan 68 called Titania heading towards the Pacific, we had been sitting in the locks for a number of hours and I began to read a certain yachting magazine from cover to cover for the umpteenth time. It was here I cam across an advert in the back. “Skippers Wanted for Round the World Yacht Race”. After about half an hour of consideration my resume was in the out box en route to Clipper Ventures. Six months later I was on a plane from Australia to England and ready to sail my skipper trial with Clipper.

For me the transit through the canal from the Pacific to the Atlantic is a major mile stone for it was here that I decided to apply for a job, and to realise a dream of sailing around the world. A dream I have had since I can remember. Now 35000nm and 9 months after race start we are nearing the closing stages of a very successful campaign and race around the world. Today the dream almost seems like a reality as we pass into an ocean that holds the pathway to our final port, Southampton.

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Published by Richard Hewson

Richard Hewson is a Tasmania-based ships captain, marine surveyor, and experienced sailor with a lifelong connection to the sea. With experience in project management and vessel commissioning, he has operated and raced a wide range of vessels—from dinghies and Maxi yachts to tankers, icebreakers and research vessels. Richard has competed in major offshore events including the Sydney to Hobart, Fastnet, Middle Sea, and Transatlantic races including the Mini Transat. In 2012, he skippered the winning yacht in the Clipper Round the World Race. He has sailed to every continent and explored all corners of the world from Antarctica to south pacific atols and recently completed a three-year family voyage from the Netherlands to Tasmania. Richard holds a Master Class 1 (unrestricted), RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, Engineering (1200kw) and commercial diving certifications, and is an AMSA-accredited marine surveyor. He is also affiliated with the Australasian Institutes of Marine Surveyors and is passionate about all things that float.

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