cruising world (usa) / "southern ocean, family style" is now online

From the Cruising World (USA) / February 2016 print issue
"Southern Ocean, Family Style" - Story & Photos by Somira Sao

A story I wrote in 2013 (just after Pearl's birth) that was published in the February 2016 issue of Cruising World (USA) is now available to read online:  Southern Ocean, Family Style

The piece documents a 30-day non-stop family passage we made aboard Anasazi Girl in the Southern Ocean in April 2012 from the Cape of Good Hope (Simons Town), South Africa to Fremantle, Western Australia . At that time, Tormentina and Raivo were ages 3 and 1.

The type of sailing you experience at this latitude is without a doubt some of the most difficult and challenging you can take on. It takes a certain level of sailing experience, risk management skill, the right kind of boat, crew & conditions, as well as a very high mental & physical threshold for discomfort.

Tough is tough, but when the sailing here is good, it's really damn good. It's that feeling you ride long after the voyage is over.

life aboard anasazi girl

Tormentina in our "backyard" swinging from the boom.
Isla Navarino - CHILE / XII Región de Magallanes y de la Antártica Chilena (octubre de 2015)

Monkeys on the grab rails.
Isla Navarino - CHILE / XII Región de Magallanes y de la Antártica Chilena (octubre de 2015)

Tormentina makes a cold chocolate Milo in the galley.
Isla Navarino - CHILE / XII Región de Magallanes y de la Antártica Chilena (octubre de 2015)

The scene:  Sam Greenfield on the starboard water tank, kids snacking at the nav station, and James in the port-side berth.
Isla Navarino - CHILE / XII Región de Magallanes y de la Antártica Chilena (octubre de 2015)

southern ocean raw footage

Real deal, uncut, unedited footage from our last passage on Anasazi Girl:  Auckland to Puerto Williams (2014).

sail magazine (usa) / july 2014

Look out for the July 2014 issue of SAIL Magazine (USA), which includes a story about the Anasazi Girl crew.  Electronic version available at the iTunes App Store.  On shelves on June 10th in USA.  Text & Images by Somira Sao.

landfall celebrations

dock life

No shower on board Anasazi Girl.  The weather has finally gotten good enough for a hose + buckets on the dock. It's pretty cool to think that Tormentina used to fit in these buckets. She's an incredible older sister, a huge help with Pearl.  

Hobson West Marina, Viaduct Harbour Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (November 2013)

Hobson West Marina, Viaduct Harbour Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (November 2013)

Hobson West Marina, Viaduct Harbour Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (November 2013)

Hobson West Marina, Viaduct Harbour Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (November 2013)

Hobson West Marina, Viaduct Harbour Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (November 2013)

pōhutukawa sculpture

Our kids don't have many toys.  Tormentina is our top scavenger, and most of the things she plays with are found objects.  Here, she sculpts a beautiful piece of art for me, a treasure just before the warm sun disappears for the day.

Incredible, beautiful, creative girl.
Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter - Auckland, NEW ZEALAND (November 2013)

Tormentina's sculpture:  Pōhutukawa sticks, leaves, crimson flowers, sand & stone.
Silo Park, Wynyard Quarter - Auckland, NEW ZEALAND (November 2013)

sunset on the dock

Tormentina at sunset.
Hobson Wharf, Viaduct Marina Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (November 2013)

not afraid of the rain

#3 on the move

Pearl is now climbing up onto the water ballast tanks.
Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (November 2013)

There are very few spaces left on Anasazi Girl that Pearl can't get to.
Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (November 2013)

air time

My children are in the air on a daily basis.  Knowing where you are in that air is a learned skill.  Some of us are gifted with this natural ability.  To progress in a safe way, you've got to log the time.  Air time is a big part of modern extreme sports. Participate in life.  There are big rewards for the brave.

The Three B's:  be brave, be bold, be smart.

Climb to fly.
North Wharf, Waterfront Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (November 2013)

Tormentina barefoot launch.
North Wharf, Waterfront Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (November 2013)

Spiderman's big air + shooting webs.
North Wharf, Waterfront Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (November 2013)

Raivo defying gravity
North Wharf, Waterfront Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (November 2013)

Pearl, "Look Ma, no hands!"
North Wharf, Waterfront Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (November 2013)

wharf kids

Princes Wharf
Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (October 2013)

Karanga Plaza, Viaduct Harbour.
Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (October 2013) 

Te Wero Island, Viaduct Harbour
Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (October 2013)

Halsey Street Wharf
Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (October 2013)

Te Wero Island, Viaduct Harbour
Auckland - NEW ZEALAND (October 2013)