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Racing the Old-Fashioned Way! 🌊⛵️ Join me as I chat with South African sailor Kirsten Neuschäfer, winner of the 2022 Golden Globe Race. This solo, non-stop race challenges sailors to navigate without modern technology—no GPS, no satellite weather—and no assistance - on a 36' boat!  Podlink: https://tinyurl.com/SaltyPodcast40

Set sail with us as we welcome Kirsten Neuschafer, the extraordinary 2022 Golden Globe Race winner, who shares her captivating journey through the world's most demanding solo, non-stop sailing competition. From her current anchorage in Madeira, Kirsten reflects on the inspiration that sparked her participation, her bold choice of a heavy displacement boat, and how embracing the race's retro spirit without modern technology shaped her experience. She offers a vivid account of the physical and mental demands of solo sailing, the profound connection one cultivates at sea, and the lessons learned from both the beauty and challenges of the Southern Ocean.

Kirsten opens up about the emotional and psychological dimensions of her adventure, recounting personal stories of overcoming adversity and the mental shifts necessary to navigate arbitrary checkpoints. Her tale of a swift rescue mission at sea highlights not only her quick thinking and favorable winds but also the resilience and optimism she encountered in her fellow sailors. Through her narrative, we explore the balance between racing objectives and personal growth, and how focusing on her own journey brought unexpected joy and fulfillment. Kirsten's insights into solo sailing and the unique experiences it offers go beyond the race, touching on the art of self-conversation, silent retreats, and cultural exchanges from cycling across continents.

Concluding the episode, we delve into Kirsten's musings on the future of oceanic adventures, the role of minimal technology, and the anticipation of new journeys. Her reflections remind us of the beauty found in fleeting moments, the significance of familiar waters, and the joy of racing to one's own rhythm. With a nod to historical sailing documentaries and stories that have inspired her, Kirsten's journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of adventure and the lessons learned from navigating life's unpredictable seas.

#SaltyAbandon #Sailing #SaltyPodcast #GoldenGlobeRace #SoloSailing #KirstenNeuschafer

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SALTY ABANDON: Cap'n Tinsley, Orange Beach, AL:
Oct 2020 to Present - 1998 Island Packet 320;
Nov 2015-Oct 2020; 1988 Island Packet 27
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