Jordan on his sailboat Angel , from an undated photo.
Reading about sailing in the media is often like reading a mystery story. The question is not, however, “who done it?” but “what really happened?” The reports of Louis Jordan who was found adrift in his disabled sailboat off Cape Hatteras after two months is a good example. Many of the press reports make no sense whatsoever. Here is my attempt to piece together what may have happened.
The story, as reported, sounds unbelievable. The Guardian reported: An American missing at sea for 66 days was rescued from his capsized boat 200 miles off the North Carolina coast, telling coastguards he survived on drinking rainwater and catching fish. Louis Jordan, 37, who was reported missing by his family in January, was spotted sitting on the overturned hull of his 35ft boat by the crew of a German tanker.” The report on Slate was similar and featured the dramatic headline: “Sailor Lost at Sea for 66 Days With Just Rainwater and Raw Fish Is Saved by Passing Tanker.” NBC Reports that Jordan was “found floating on the overturned hull of his vessel by a German cargo ship, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.”
When I say the account sounds unbelievable, I mean that literally. Continue reading
On Monday, the 
Dalniy Vostok
From May 20 — May 26 an estimated 1,500 Navy sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will visit New York City in celebration of Fleet Week New York. Which ships will participate and what events are planned for them have not yet been announced. Watch this space.
Last week 
Here is a reminder just how difficult it is to fund, build, operate and maintain historic or replica ships. Those who do so successfully, deserve more credit than they receive. The 
If you happen to be near New York City next Tuesday night, March 31st, be sure to stop by the Community Church to “take an epic journey down the longest lake in the world on Africa’s last surviving steamship…. the MV Liemba,” and all without leaving midtown Manhattan.
