Introductions (2021)
By (Originally posted July 26, 2021)
Hi! This is my little blog for sailing. It began as an idea all the way back in 2017, and this post is just a bit about me, Outer Earth, and my adventures.
Me
My name is Fred Jennings. I’m a lifelong sailor, originally from the east coast of the United States. After lots of reading, training, and some shorter cruises around the northeast, I’m preparing to set off for some bigger trips. Outer Earth is my spot to record those adventures, post some photos and thoughts along the way, and generally share these voyages with folks staying safe and dry at home.
Outer Earth
One of my favorite artists, Nicholas Roerich, was one of several western spiritualists who popularized mythical notions of Agartha, or an “Inner Earth” that supposedly held some sacred kingdom of “advanced humans.” Wacky stuff, I realize. No surprise that modern “hollow earth” conspiracies flourished from this esoteric idea.
The name “Outer Earth” comes from reversing that idea. That spiritual and human progress come not from some fantastical journey inward, but in embracing and appreciating the world out here. Especially in our age of information, where countless pressures seem to drive us inward to ourselves and our computerized lives, Outer Earth is about seeking and finding what’s out there in the world we live in.
The Boat(s)
Originally, this project was about repairing, fitting out, and sailing a 1980s trimaran from the east coast of Australia. Like many projects, that’s been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated travel restrictions.
Until those restrictions lift, I’m voyaging on Weatherly, a 1979 Islander 40 - a Doug Peterson design following the IOR rules of the time. It’s fast, capable boat, ready for the kinds of adventures I’m setting out for.