Sea Change. Ian Dickens

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      Whatever the miracle is that grants us life, it deserves to be repaid by exploring, to the very maximum, all that is on offer in the time span we have been allotted. It is a precious gift and one that should be honored, not by cowering in a draught-free basement in case the candle gets snuffed out prematurely, but by experiencing, to the very highest order, the very best of every opportunity.

      IAN DICKENS

       ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

      This is about a voyage of discovery. Over its journey I discovered true friendship from quarters I had not expected, lost ‘friendships’ from quarters that surprised me, had my eyes opened by the simplest of gestures and experienced kindnesses that took my breath away.

      Many of those are described in the following pages.

      On the sailing front, I would like to thank the directors and staff at Clipper Ventures, creators of an extraordinary event that changes people’s lives. Not only did they deliver a great race, they also provided a string of opportunities to keep the wolf from the door when I returned home.

      To Stuart Gibson, who ran our race with such elegance. The mixture of competitiveness, focus, dedication, professionalism, humour, humanity, humility and honesty set an astonishing example. You are a unique individual and a privilege to know. To you, Liz, Ben and my godson Oliver, my gratitude is never-ending.

      To all of the crew of London, who proved to be such inspirational individuals battling against the conditions and, in some cases, their own demons. We have a unique, precious bond and the moments we shared have ensured friendships for life.

      To dear Mirella Ricciardi, who urged me to write it all down, and to Brian McLaurin, who responded so warmly when I did. He introduced me to John Blake and turned an idea into a book with disarming ease. Without that introduction this book would not exist. At the publishers, my editors Adam Parfitt, Richard Dawes and Amy McCulloch, who guided me through the maze with gentle encouragement, reassurance and valued advice, for which I am hugely grateful.

      To Barry and Wendy Taylor. Readers will see why you are so loved when they start to turn the pages.

      To the numerous family members and friends, who provided such incredible levels of support and encouragement. Special thanks go to Marion and Jonathan Lloyd for publishing advice, the loan of their cottage in Norfolk for me to write in and for several days of fearless seafaring skills which demonstrated that only real sailors perform off Blakeney Point.

      To Mum and Dad, Liz, Nicky and Gerry, whose support through e-mails and letters proved that family bonds are not dulled by miles. My father passed away a couple of years after my race ended and I’ll always be grateful that he lived my adventure as if he too was on-board.

      And finally, to Anne, Holly and Michael, whose love, support and selflessness continue to amaze me on a daily basis. I hope you know that it is returned with interest.

      Ian Dickens

       FOREWORD

      I met Ian fifteen years ago when I was looking for camera kit to document my first polar walk. I had expected to meet a serious and intense businessman intent on grilling me for several hours before agreeing to my requests. Instead, I found an easy-going and enthusiastic supporter who readily warmed to the idea of someone walking through the Antarctic ice with several thousand pounds’ worth of kit which might never come back.

      But come back it did, and in the expeditions that followed I was able to rely on Ian, as my adventures continued and developed. While I flew off to the most remote parts of the world, he continued to pursue a career in London, but it was clear that a brightly burning flame would eventually ignite in to something more spectacular.

      Looking back, I suppose there were a few clues – his desire to hurtle head-first down the Cresta Run seemed to be the height of foolishness to me, but it clearly acted as an antidote to his day-to-day routine behind a desk. I was happy to act as patron for his fundraising drive to the Arctic Circle and back in the Auto Arctic Challenge Car rally, driving a soft-top MG, which raised over £10,000 for Mencap and Motivation.

      Clearly these were mere warm-up acts, and I was not hugely surprised to learn that he was leaving to embark on a round-the-world yacht race. I admit to feeling slightly miffed at losing such a valued supporter – and, by now, good friend – but equally I knew how fulfilling the challenges he would inevitable encounter would be.

      Ian’s words show an extraordinary and often moving depth of thinking as he observes the valuable lessons his journey presented. It makes this book far deeper than a simple tale of circumnavigating the world under sail, and it is clear that the family genes for communicating have been passed down to him!

      It is also clear that he has taken the numerous lessons that all adventurers learn – preparation, team work, mental strength, stamina, an unknown tomorrow, exhaustion, despair and elation and applied them back to the everyday events that ‘normality’ brings.

      He has learned that to go off and test СКАЧАТЬ