The Victory Lap http://thevictorylap.org Just another WordPress weblog Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:04:36 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.7.1 en hourly 1 Almost time to print the banners http://thevictorylap.org/2010/02/14/almost-time-to-print-the-banners/ http://thevictorylap.org/2010/02/14/almost-time-to-print-the-banners/#comments Sun, 14 Feb 2010 03:04:55 +0000 victorylap http://thevictorylap.org/?p=366 I’ll be printing up the banners soon, a tribute to the fallen and a salute to the survivors; these banners will fly around the world on the Amnesty. If you know someone who belongs on one of them send their name to g.brown@live.com and I’ll make sure they join us on the trip around the world, it doesn’t cost.

]]> http://thevictorylap.org/2010/02/14/almost-time-to-print-the-banners/feed/ VICTORY LAP UPDATE http://thevictorylap.org/2010/01/23/update/ http://thevictorylap.org/2010/01/23/update/#comments Sat, 23 Jan 2010 02:40:16 +0000 victorylap http://thevictorylap.org/?p=362 I have a Dr. appointment early Feb, expecting to get an “all clear!” so that I can add my name to the survivors banner. In the meantime I am updating and scheduling the date for the circumnavigation to begin; finishing & launching the boat and dealing with medical issues have put the first tentative start time in the hopper.
Before we get to that, I have a question; How would you want to spend your last day on Earth? My brother Bill died from lymphoma, his last several months were spent in misery and agony without any opportunity to enjoy them. I prefer for my last day to be spent chasing a dream and enjoying the time I have, too many don’t have this option. Most people don’t understand that little smile when they try to tell me how dangerous it is to sail around the world alone in a 45 foot boat. It’s not that I’m a danger junkie but my greatest fear used to be cancer, now it is to leave this Earthly plane without living my life to the fullest. If I can help a few along the way all the better! I bought my first motorcycle when I was twelve and rode almost daily for over three decades, so sailing doesn’t seem that that spooky to me. Whether my last day is this year or in another thirty I’ll have some pretty cool stories to take into the next life. My advice is to get out and do something you love today because you don’t know what tomorrow will bring.
Gordon

Mid to late March Amnesty will go back in the water and I will spend most of the summer between Cape Cod and New York doing fundraisers and promoting the Victory Lap, late summer or early fall I will be headed down to the Caribbean to organize and prepare for the circumnavigation. The date for beginning this adventure is beginning to look like it will commence March or April 2011 and will take approximately two and a half years to complete. Leaving in early spring will give us ample opportunity to start off with the weather in our favor, and follow the trade winds. Avoiding hurricane and typhoon seasons and taking time to stop and see the sights is why the trip will take so long. Anyone interested in participating for a long or short leg of this adventure should keep in touch via email (there’s plenty of time to get ready now)
It would generate a lot of good publicity if we can maintain an average of thirty to fifty boats for this trip; it will be a good time and for a good cause, so if it’s for a day or a month everyone is welcome to join. There is no entry fee or cost of any type to participate, bring your boat and bring your friends; or bring your friends and their boat!
Get in touch with me through email g.brown@live.com

]]> http://thevictorylap.org/2010/01/23/update/feed/ Seeking Sponsorship http://thevictorylap.org/2009/12/15/seeking-sponsorship/ http://thevictorylap.org/2009/12/15/seeking-sponsorship/#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:05:06 +0000 victorylap http://thevictorylap.org/?p=345 I am seeking sponsors for the upcoming circumnavigation on which my boat, Amnesty will be the flagship guiding a fleet of vessels carrying cancer survivors and some other folks who have been affected by cancer. This is expected to be a high profile event and I can offer prolonged and world wide exposure to sponsors; any interested parties can contact me directly by email. g.brown@live.com

We have founded a non profit to help cancer patients; donations from this web site will go to the non profit, this is not to assist us sailing around the world. Please help make a difference.

There is a brief video of the progress of building the Amnesty at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k9OFEY1v4U
(youtube; “The Victory Lap story”)

Thank you
Gordon

]]> http://thevictorylap.org/2009/12/15/seeking-sponsorship/feed/ It’s time! http://thevictorylap.org/2009/11/19/its-time/ http://thevictorylap.org/2009/11/19/its-time/#comments Thu, 19 Nov 2009 01:56:18 +0000 victorylap http://thevictorylap.org/?p=302
The final shakedown cruise!

The final shakedown cruise!

under-sail-2Well the shakedown cruise is behind now and we are ready to take that trip south; I am getting ready to make up the banners, the tribute to the fallen and survivors. I’d really like to add more names to both sides, help me out?

]]> http://thevictorylap.org/2009/11/19/its-time/feed/ About the Victory Lap http://thevictorylap.org/2009/10/15/about-the-victory-lap/ http://thevictorylap.org/2009/10/15/about-the-victory-lap/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:22:41 +0000 victorylap http://thevictorylap.org/?p=273 Who hasn’t been affected by cancer? It seems like almost everyone has a loved one or a friend who has been touched by this disease. Every coin has two sides, it’s time to find something from this experience other than fear and trauma; a good beginning is in the camaraderie, all oppressing forces keep their victims strategicaly divided because there is strenth in numbers and produtive ideas in group thought. Our greatest hope is to give hope.

The Victory Lap is an event to raise awareness about cancer, to share success stories, to offer a shoulder for the tradedies, and salute our loved ones who have fallen to this terrible disease.
I was recently asked what a person does after they read this site, got to admit I have been a bit lax in keeping up fresh ideas here but I have one now! This site no longer belongs to me; I am just the moderator and am open to new input.
The Victory Lap is more than just a trip around the world, this is a world class event in which we intend to unite and help our brothers & sisters in need; this is an event through which we can stand united against the monster and push it back into the abyss; this is an event through which we can actually make a difference and leave this world a better place than we found it.

I would like to begin to organize the community which this benefit is going to unify and actually communicate with you rather than just post cool new happenings so we are going to start out with a newsletter. This will have information oriented on sailing and getting well & staying there, and becoming unified. Please send email with newsletter in the subject line. I will be personally handling this aspect so everyone’s email will be held in confidence (been a spam target myself, it’s no fun) And if you wish we would love to add as many names to the page that displays our community as possible, let’s show the world our numbers!
Donations are not mandatory to recieve newsletter but appreciated.

We will also be offering alternative tips and complimentary treatments in dealing with cancer from successful experiences; remember complimentary means to assist rather than replace. Doctors are absolutely necessary when we are sick however another point of view is also an important consideration.

Let’s stand together and turn something tragic into something magic, together we can turn the tables and come out winners. Stand up and shout “We are still here!!” and listen to all the echoes.

To inquire about participating in the Victory Lap please contact g.brown@live.com

]]> http://thevictorylap.org/2009/10/15/about-the-victory-lap/feed/ To participate in the Victory Lap http://thevictorylap.org/2009/09/29/to-participate-in-the-victory-lap/ http://thevictorylap.org/2009/09/29/to-participate-in-the-victory-lap/#comments Tue, 29 Sep 2009 12:18:59 +0000 victorylap http://thevictorylap.org/?p=262 We are looking for some interested folks who would like to sail along with us for whatever length of time works for you; there is no cost to join this cause, the exposure we get from this event will propel our cause into its proper status. Please contact Gordon for further details and tentative plans at g.brown@live.com

The exact date hasn’t been finalized but it will begin towards the end of Dec when we congregate for the send off party (Southern Fla seems to be a popular choice) and proceed west through the Panama Canal and all points west until we reach the Caribbean, this will probably take two and a half years so it is understood that all who wish to join this event will probably not make the entire trip but you are welcome to accompany us for as long as it works for you. See you there!

]]> http://thevictorylap.org/2009/09/29/to-participate-in-the-victory-lap/feed/ Let’s wish them well–literally http://thevictorylap.org/2009/09/29/lets-wish-them-well-literally/ http://thevictorylap.org/2009/09/29/lets-wish-them-well-literally/#comments Mon, 28 Sep 2009 21:50:24 +0000 victorylap http://thevictorylap.org/?p=257 This is a place where you may place the name of someone battling cancer (or any threatening disease) that we can take a moment to send them a prayer, some good energy, or good wishes; however you like to phrase it let’s all send these folks our wishes for the best.

Jane Driscoll
Mary Gillis
EDAN CAIN MCPEAK

]]> http://thevictorylap.org/2009/09/29/lets-wish-them-well-literally/feed/ Boat progress http://thevictorylap.org/2009/09/04/190/ http://thevictorylap.org/2009/09/04/190/#comments Fri, 04 Sep 2009 11:12:25 +0000 victorylap http://thevictorylap.org/?p=190 SPLASHDOWN!!!
Well, Monday’s launch was successful and went down without a hitch! Six and a half years of labor and over four decades of dreaming about this all came to reality in a single moment, there was no way to prepare for that. I will be putting the pictures of the launch and naming ceremony very soon, my heartfelt thanks for all who keep an interested eye out for us.
The big day is on the books!! Monday, Sept 14 Amnesty goes into the water for the first time, I will post some pictures of the launch day after nothing embarrasing happens. This day will mark the beginning of a seriously cool adventure and I will be able to share it with the rest of the world!! Thanks for your support, now watch what happens!Rigging day!And a new coat of paint!!Out of the woods......Boats shouldn't have to put up with this!
Having the boat in my yard was a good inspiration to keep working away

Having the boat in my yard was a good inspiration to keep working away

on-the-way-homeIt has certainly been an education finishing this boat!The pictures range from the day I brought it home to present, there are a lot of people looking forward to that first picture of it in the water!
I will certainly keep progress posted, the incredible journey is about to begin.

]]> http://thevictorylap.org/2009/09/04/190/feed/ Survivors!! http://thevictorylap.org/2009/07/06/survivors/ http://thevictorylap.org/2009/07/06/survivors/#comments Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:50:57 +0000 victorylap http://thevictorylap.org/?p=156 Now it’s time to be sharing the good news as well as laying tribute to our losses, this page is dedicated to the spirit of the survivor. If you are a cancer survivor or know someone who deserves to be on this page just drop me a line with a name.
Congratulations cancer warriors.
g.brown@live.com

Raymond L. Cebula
Gary Chwazik
Johan v/d Meulen
Corrie Hutting
Attie Boomsma
Susan Adam
Ed Hiensch
Rick Colon
Richard B. Colon
Linda Colon
Milagro Colon-Dyal

]]> http://thevictorylap.org/2009/07/06/survivors/feed/ A word of thanks http://thevictorylap.org/2009/07/06/a-word-of-thanks/ http://thevictorylap.org/2009/07/06/a-word-of-thanks/#comments Mon, 06 Jul 2009 10:48:07 +0000 victorylap http://thevictorylap.org/?p=154 Since this venture started out as just a really neat thought a lot of people have become an active part in many ways to see it happen, from moral support like dragging my whining carcass off the couch and helping work on the boat to donating parts and funding. This is a good place to thank each and every one who is a part of the Victory Lap.

Since we’re all family I’m just going to use first names until I get permission to post anyone’s full name. Jim, Greg, Eric, Nanette, Alice, Henk, Bob, Tom

Thank God for people like you

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