It's been quite some time since I've provided an update regarding my ocean rowing plans, or any blog post for that matter. Over a year, in fact - it seems like a flash. But fear not, my time was spent wisely (for the most part) and progress was made. It turns out custom boats are ridiculously expensive - big surprise! Perhaps I should've set aside a few more shekels along the way. Regardless, I began searching for a builder to construct my boat and this newfound obstacle became readily apparent. Because of this, the project is now labeled Pacific Ocean Row 2017, a one year delay. In the scramble of attempting to make a 2016 departure and recognizing a budgetary deficit, I searched for sponsors and attempted a crowdfunding campaign to no avail. Not deterred, I began looking for employment that would enable me to fund the trip.
Luckily, I found a job that should provide the funds I need for a summer 2017 departure. I also found a builder on the west coast near my departure location in Portland, OR called Schooner Creek Boat Works. I apprehensively signed a build contract in January 2016 with the knowledge that I didn't have the funds available to complete the build. However, it was a necessary risk to prevent further delays. The build commenced and the progress is looking great! For ongoing updates and photographs see www.jacobadoram.com/thebuild.
My current employment is a pilot job outside of the United States in faraway lands. It's definitely not ideal being this far from the build, but so far it's working well. The fine folks at Schooner Creek are graciously allowing me to help with the build when I'm in town and are very supportive and accommodating in regard to my unique constraints.
In more good news, a design brief of my boat was featured in Professional Boatbuilding Magazine, Issue #161, June/July 2016, written by the naval architect Eric Sponberg. It provides a great overview of the design considerations while developing the architectural plans. You can read the article at www.jacobadoram.com/thedesign. I also found a nutritionist out of Oregon State who is helping me develop an appropriate diet for the journey, and I even found a personal trainer to help with my physical requirements while overseas.
Lastly, I found a filmmaker by the name of Dave Unitan who is creating a documentary of my journey (www.daveunitan.com). We've already had some interviews, he's recorded me with a drone while kayaking on the Colombia River, and he's captured some footage of the build currently underway. It's just the beginning, but it's pretty exciting and also a bit nerve-racking. I've always been fairly private, so the acute awareness of being fully on display stirs feelings of vulnerability and nags at my insecurities. But isn't that partly the point of all this? It's facing challenges head on, facing fears, and seeing insecurities for what they truly are. It's getting a clear view of all your doubts under a glaring light and staring them down until they dissolve into nothing. Something like that.
So that's what transpired over the past year. While my original plan for a 2016 departure failed, each obstacle is gradually being pushed aside. By the way, I successfully finished my bicycle ride across the country, but obviously failed to write about the overall experience. Apologies for maintaining a blog without posts. I'll just say it was an awesome trip with great scenery and amazing people along the way. The objectives were met. Other than the four previous blog entries, I didn't write much more about it, maybe I should've. Upon completion, instead of lingering in thought about the trip, I immediately turned to getting a boat built. I'm still working on this writing thing, staying motivated, and fending off the insidious objects of my attention. And again springs another insecurity - putting my words out there doesn't come with comfort. At least not yet.
Paddle On