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Wow! We are T-minus 26 days, 7 hours and 45 minutes to launch. On June 3, we will board our 19-foot Boston Whaler and depart Norfolk VA. 1,100 miles later we will arrive in Boston for the 4th of July.
Only In America has grown way beyond me, I believe everyone is not only drawn to but, feels very strongly about the adventure and patriotic spirit Only In America represents. And, since it is important to have bounderies, I think the bouderies have been set. Microsoft Corporation, who has come on board as a sponsor, on one end and Dave Z., who read the book and has invited us to stay at his home in Norfolk prior to our departure, on the other. Only In America!
In addition to Microsoft Office 365, the following companies have jumped on board as sponsors. I believe this is because they also believe strongly in the American Spirit: Mercury Marine, Raymarine, Magic Brush and Waterway Guides. Lynnhaven Marine in Norfolk, VA and Russon Marine in Boston, MA also deserve special recognition. In addition, Quiksilver, Oakley and Liquid Force are still pending.
Only In America is proud to support the Jimmy Miller Foundation which uses ocean therapy to help our Wounded Warriors heal from wounds received in battle.
We also have events planned, thus far, in Norfolk (three days of events in Norfolk), Deltaville, VA, Ocean View, NJ and Boston Harbor on the 4th of July and more are in the process of being scheduled.
There will be two Whalers traveling with us the entire 1,100 miles from Norfolk to Boston. The Heins from CO and the Jordans from MS, and the Hammerslags from MI will join us aboard their boat from New York to Boston. In addtion, other Whaler owners will join us for shorter jaunts. We also have invitations for lodging, food, libations and just plain good ol' American fun all along our route.
As for the the Only In America crew, we will be navigating a new 190 Montauk Boston Whaler from Norfolk to Boston (I had a long talk with Sunshine, she is okay with it.) The name of our new boat is Spirit 7 (to the sevent power) as we plan to take similar voyages around the United States over the next seven years. (How's the saying go, if you are going to aim, aim high.)
As far as our Big Goals to meet the President of the United States and appear on the Today Show with Matt Lauer, who also owns a Whaler (the book was placed into Mr. Lauer's hands this past week), things are moving along nicely and confidence is high. And, Only In America's Parade of Whalers through Boston Harbor on the 4th of July is really taking shape.
I would also lke to take this time to thank everyone who is helping make this summer's voyage possible. I know the word is overused but, it's truly unbelievable. The acknowledgment section for the next book is going be . . . a book! (hmm, interesting premise)
Stay tuned, more to come. Thank you for your continued support.
Only In America!
John
PS: The itinerary has changed, different from itinerary on the website. We arrive in Philly on June 16 and arrive in Ocean View NJ on June 18 for the Grand Opening of Island Marine.
I don`t get it!
What are your overall goals for this voyage? Are you raising money for a worthy charity(I hope)? Is this just a way to pay your expenses, for your vacation and sell a book, and make money to boot?(I hope not), TV shows pay quite a bit, but I hope you will be paying the President for his time. He`s pretty busy right now.
When my nephew decided to set sail from Boston to the Fl. Keys single handed in his 27` sailboat, 7 years ago, he just saved his money, made plans and did it. No fanfare, no sponsors, and probably didn't want to meet the president anyway.
When you say "Only In America," that`s true.
The whole idea started after I self published the book. To date, I've received over 400 e-mails from people all over the United States. They read the book, enjoyed the story and gave great stories of their own. However, over 25% of the e-mails I received asked if I thought America would be as friendly as she was in 1987. "Do you think the America in the book still exists today?" was a common question.
So,we are going to find out. That is the main reason for the journey, to find the America we found in 1987. Is our country still the same, is the American Spirit alive and well? On June 3 our voyage begins.
As far as the sponsors go, I think they want the same thing we do, to find some good, positive patriotic stories that promote who we are as a people. Heaven knows there's enough crap on the tv and the internet.
If we can bring some good stories and good news about the American Spirit than I believe our quest is worthwhile.
Yes, we are supporting a charity, and thank you for asking. Only In America supports the Jimmy Miller Foundation. They use ocean therapy to help membes of the Marine's Wounded Warrior Battallon heal from their wounds received in battle.
We will also be talking about and promoting the many advantages of "Long Voyages In Small Boats." We'll give seminars about this subject as we travel up the east coast. Ane yes, we plan to sell books. With any luck a whole bunch of books. If I can combine my passion of taking my Whaler a long way and writing, and make some money doing it. . . Only In America!
Binkie, unless you've read his book, you won't get the gist of what's going on. This isn't some self promoting personal trip that Johns trying to get other people to pay for, this is a good thing.
All I have to say is READ THE BOOK and you'll understand.
Cliff
1966 13' Sport with a 1993 40hp Yamaha 2 Smoker
Thanks Cliff, now I really owe you that margarita las rocas.
Re: the boat. I still have my 17-Montauk, plan to take my son (6) to Catalina Island next weekend for his birthday, weather permitting.
We were looking at the time and/or expense of getting the boat to Norfolk and back again, even looked at commercially. At the same time I worked the LA Boat Show and stood next to a 19-Montuak. I must admit I became quite smitten. It wasn't love at first site but, over the four days I fell pretty hard.
The folks at Whaler suggested I contact Lynnhaven Marine in Norfolk. These guys are truly remarkable. In addition to all they are doing for the boat, Lynnhaven is planning three days of events leading up to and on the day of our departure.
We are purchasing the boat in Norfolk with plans to sell her in Boston. I've never sold a Whaler so we will see what happens.
I wish you the best in your travels. I also hope your spirit isn't tarnished if you meet a few bad apples along the way. There are always going to be good and bad people coexisting. I hope you meet more good than bad and create unbelilevable memories along the way. This sounds like an amazing trip!
