On March 26th, 2015, Aldebaran sailed out of Santa Barbara harbor heading south. That was exactly three years ago. As we sit inside our boat rocking in a Tuamoto lagoon, listening to the humm of the trade winds in the rigging, we dug up some nostalgic pictures from Departure Day…

March 26, 2015. Ed France rode his bike to the harbor to see us off.  He is cherished in Santa Barbara as the bicycle godfather of BiciCentro; but a little known fact is that, if it weren’t for his care of Aldebaran for 2 years (when we were boat partners), we wouldn’t be where we are now. Love you Ed!

In addition, we recently came across farewell messages that friends wrote to us, scribbled on blank labels taped to wine bottles, which we drank along the way (thanks Keri & Bryan for that incredible gift, that kept on giving!)

“Be sure to add some color to your cheeks! Until we meet again, Valle con Dios”

-Mark Weeks

“Dear Aldebaran crew y el Capitan

We hope each sip of this wine brings following seas, fair winds and fuzzy memories! We love you guys,”

-Krista and B.

“We wish we could all fit on the boat with you! All 50 of us !!”

-Leslie

March 25, 2015. On the night before departure, Alex gifted us this hard-bound journal to keep as the official Captain’s Log. It was a welcome touch of tradition, bringing a sense of mystique to our daily log entries on Season 1, sailing down Central America. Of the guys pictured, Alex and Ben joined us for long stints in Costa Rica and Tuamotos; Michael and Ryan were aboard 6 months the first year, and returned the second year (and even kept returning…) These guys have become family to us!

“Much Love and laughter and blessings to all who embark on this epic voyage. May hearts be filled with bliss over and over.”

-Jewels

 “Hi guys!

So excited for your adventure. Always remember that not all who

wander are lost. Enjoy every perfect moment, live each day to the fullest and of course, take lots of photos and post them on Facebook

so we can live vicariously through you…”

-love Michaela

“We are so inspired by your fortitude and vision and courage for taking on this impressive and important endeavor of passion and purpose. With great love and awe,”

-Kimber and Carter

March 23, 2015. Sabrina with a deck-full of provisions from Costco.  Oh, how wondrous are the bulk conveniences of Costco…

“Team Inspire,

How amazing it has been to see this idea go from a glimmer in our eye to

full manifestation. What amazing things you can accomplish with vision and community. Laugh in the face of fears and enjoy the adventures in this beautiful life you have created. Much love,”

-Katniss a.k.a. Sarah F.

 “Keep on

Keepin on!”

-Brad

Santa Barbara Newspress, February 2015. We called it the “Green” Coconut Run because we wanted to bring back a little ecology into the world of modern cruising sailboats. Its been challenging to do everything we wanted, but we’ve managed a few things along the way: research in micro-plactics, distributing solar lights, and promoting innovative marine reserves (see www.greencoconutrun.com)

“May there be many amazing experiences! Be sure to drink this wine naked under a starry sky! xo,”

-Lindsey G. 

“Close your eyes,

smell the sweet sages

Feel the warm breezes

coming over the mountains

SB will still be here to welcome you back.

Now get out there and savor the tropics and the moment

in front of you.

Love you!”

-Erika

Thanks to EVERYONE who has helped make this voyage a success for the last 3 years, in small ways and big ways! We are so blessed…