“We’re going. Up at 0500, and we are alone as we pass under the Golden Gate at 0700 to catch the tail end of the outgoing tide. It’s cold, and the wind is light so we are motoring. I cry, I sing, laugh, and jump for joy. I can’t believe it…what a flood of emotions…I am watching the dream of my life unfold before me….oh my God, I have to pee.”

Here are the forecasts for December 6, 7, and 8, 2001.

Click on each map below to enlarge.

December 6, 2001

December 7, 2001

December 8, 2001

.
You can see the west coast storm on the 6th (the blue line that looks like sharks’ teeth), the open window on the 7th, when we chose to leave, and the next storm to hit on the 8th. It was tight weather window, but we made it. Check out pages 31 and 32 in The Boy Behind the Gate.

Happy Anniversary of the beginning of the voyage of Julia!

Larry

P.S. What were you doing on the morning of December 7, 2001? Share your stories below!

.

I hope you watch it and are inspired by all 16 minutes and 15 seconds. You have great potential to do anything you want—don’t let fear stand in your way.

Your dream could be anything from travel to weight loss, from a new career to a new relationship. It starts with, “I’ve always wanted to…” and often ends with, “It’s just not practical,” or “Maybe someday.” At what point do we say, “Someday is here!”?

Fear is one of the main reasons many people never let go, and so miss the opportunity to become something different and transform their lives. However, the passion you have for your dream is stronger than fear. Let your passion drive you through any fears and obstacles that stand in your way.

Let passion rule your day!

Larry

.

P.S. Will you please do me a favor and leave a comment on the YouTube page? We want TEDx to notice it, and the more positive comments, the better! And, can you please help post it to your Facebook, Twitter, etc.! Thank you!

You can watch in 2D or 3D and I recommend the 720HD setting in 2D.

Click to watch in 2D  |  Click to watch in 3D

.

.

What are epigraphs? They’re the famous quotes
I use at the beginning of each chapter in my book.

.

~ Chapter 1 ~

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by
the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.
So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor.
Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”

~ Mark Twain

.

We all have choices in our lives. Quite often the choice is between taking action or not. Between making a decision or not. And sometimes we keep putting off the action or decision to a later date. But let’s not kid ourselves. No action is an action. No decision is a decision.

If you want to something to happen,
you have to make it happen.

I had a choice: stay at home with my good secure life, or risk everything for the chance at making my dream come true. I chose to sail away from the safe harbor, to explore, dream, and discover and I’m glad I did.

What things do you wish you had done? What risk can you choose to do now that will let you explore, dream, and discover?

Don’t let circumstances decide for you.

Make a decision today and take action.

Here’s to your life of discovery!

Larry
..

P.S. Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

P.P.S. Did you miss either of the two radio interviews last week? Good news! They were recorded! Scroll down to listen online or download the MP3s.

.

The Travel Chick Show with Bonnie Kitahata ~
RIGHT-Click Here to download the MP3 or click the player below to listen online

.
Tony Wilkins’ Small Business Forum Radio Show ~
RIGHT-Click Here to download the MP# or click the player below to listen online

.

What are epigraphs? They’re the famous quotes
I use at the beginning of each chapter in my book.

.

~ Chapter Zero ~

“Sail Forth—Steer for the deep waters only. Reckless O soul, exploring.
I with thee and thou with me. For we are bound where mariner has not yet dared go.
And we will risk the ship, ourselves, and all.”

~ Walt Whitman

.

Hobie Cat sailing after school in
Long Beach and dreaming
of crossing oceans.

Ever since I first stepped foot in a sailboat at the age of 13, I was driven by an inspired passion. I decided I was going to sail around the world and nothing was going to stop me. My passion took hold of me and it wouldn’t let go. It just took 33 more years for me to figure out exactly how to make it happen.

From day one of the idea, I never doubted I would do it. I never hesitated to say, “I’m going to sail around the world.”

What is your inspired passion? What is it you never doubt. What are you for sure going to do someday?

With love and appreciation for you,

Larry
.

P.S. Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
.

The Boy Behind the Gate Audio Book is on sale for only $5.95! This is a special promotion by Audible.com and only will last through Sunday, September 2.

If you don’t have much time to read, here’s your chance to listen to the entire book in your car, on a plane, train, or even on a boat!

Makes a great gift!

With much appreciation
for your support,

Larry

Click here: http://www.audible.com/pd/ref=mp_ja_1_5?asin=B0087SVUUG

Sunday: Live Racing from ACWS San Francisco

Russell Coutts Talks Risk

News August 24 - ACWS San Francisco

News August 23 - ACWS San Francisco

Youngest Skipper Phil Robertson Dominates...

America's Cup "Healthy Ocean Project"

New to America's Cup? Watch this video!

Replay August 25 - ACWS San Francisco

.

I’m convinced that intense passion for my goal is what made it all possible. Now it’s time to share some of those lessons I learned about passion with you.

To that end, I have the honor to speak at a TEDx event about the pursuit of passion. My 17-minute speech will be about how Passion Trumps Fear. The event is October 10, 2012 at the DeYoung Museum in Golden Gate Park. A ticket gets you a full day of passionate speakers and motivation!

Click Below for Details:
www.TEDxGoldenGatePark.org

I hope that my friends will fill the audience. See you there!

With passion,
Larry

Perhaps Independence Day has a more personal meaning to you. From whom or what have you gained your independence? Maybe you moved on from a meaningless job, an unkind boss, or a bad relationship. Or maybe you’re working on it. Give yourself a pat on the back for earning even the smallest bit of independence, and continue striving to gain more self-determination while retaining your individuality.

Your independence is not free from burden. It comes with responsibilities and accountability. By definition it means not blaming others for decisions you make, and actions you take. Whether you enjoy independence in your personal or business life, the course you choose to steer defines who you are.

And yes, I’m also grateful for the country’s independence. I don’t really like tea, and scones need too much butter and jam to be palatable. Besides, I like burgers and ice cream.

I raise my glass and join you in celebrating whatever level of independence you have achieved. Here’s to you being YOU.

Fair winds,
Larry

P.S. What form of independence are you grateful to have in your life? Share your thoughts here on my blog!

Day #4 Highlights

Day #3 Highlights

Day #2 Highlights

OH NO! My favorite team had an accident!

Day #1 Highlights

Live Video Feed from Newport, RI

.

.

.

Recently, a reader from the other side of the world wrote and expressed this challenge.

Vernon wants to live on a boat and sail around the world but has some things standing in his way. They’re not bad things, but rather they’re the good things in his life. He is experiencing what I found when I wanted to go sailing: The primary obstacles to achieving our grandest dreams and loftiest goals are the good things in our lives.

We have careers, businesses, families, partners, homes, cars, kids, school, dogs, cats, and more. The obstacle can be as simple as, “I’ve always wanted to move to Italy for a year, but who would watch the cat?” Vernon has two large dogs and a great career. There’s not really room on a boat for two Great Danes so what does he do, just leave them?  And, what will become of his career and income if he chooses to follow his dream of going sailing? He would have to find another way to pursue his career while onboard.

Few great accomplishments are ever achieved without risk. Usually the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward. In my case, I gave up my career, income, home, security, and identity for the chance at making my dream come true. My passion drove me to risk it all.

Vernon has to decide how big of a risk he’s willing to take on behalf of his passion. How far is he willing to go to achieve his dream? It’s all about trade-offs and the amount of risk you’re willing to take. Only Vernon can decide what is right for him, and only you can decide what is right for you. I’m glad to be helping Vernon and you with your dreams.

Fair winds and following seas,

Larry

P.S. Did you miss my interview on BlogTalkRadio’s “Love Your Path” Show last week? Nancy Brook and I had a great conversation about risk-taking, goal-setting, and making dreams come true! (She asked some really tough questions!!)

RIGHT-Click Here to download the MP3 or listen online below: