In July 2024, our dream project, Pacific Passion, embarked on its second year of adventure.
As detailed on our website, www.pacificpassion.org, our ambition has always been to explore the vast Pacific Ocean, particularly the enchanting islands around the equator.
Our journey began in mid-January 2023 with a major refit and upgrade of SilverLining to prepare her for this grand project. This effort took about 1.5 years and, as always, cost more than budgeted. But remember our tagline: Running Out Of Time Is Worse Than Running Out Of Money.
Initially, we planned to navigate the northern Pacific route, taking advantage of the Tradewinds from Phuket, Thailand, over Japan to Alaska, Canada, the USA, and finally to Panama. However, as we discussed the upcoming challenges of freezing temperatures, strong winds, and heavy seas, it became clear that this route was not ideal for Kristin, who, at the turn of the Millennium, wished for no more winters.
Determined to share as much of this journey with Kristin, family, and friends, we decided to change our plans. We will as from now stay in tropical waters, making our way around the equator towards the east across the dateline. This adjustment means no Arctic or Antarctic ambitions with SilverLining, shortening our trip by about a year but allowing us to enjoy the best parts of our plans.
This decision has been warmly welcomed by our crew, who consider 20-degree centigrade temperatures as winter, and by our budget, which has been strained by huge overruns and rising costs of insurance, repairs, and travel.
While this is a significant change, we embrace it wholeheartedly and look forward to the adventures ahead.
We still plan to visit Antarctica, but now on a cruise vessel in February 2025, combined with a visit to Patagonia. We shall do likewise for the visit to the Galapagos. We are sure that these will also be a jaw-dropping experiences, and we will share our findings through our blog, Instagram, and journal.
If you are still interested in joining our Project, please contact us. A ‘no’ is what you have, a ‘yes’ is what you may get!
Stay in touch!
Kristin, Philip & the SilverLining Crew
“Only fools and dead men don’t change their minds.” That’s my belief, shared with the late Irish-American author John Henry Patterson. Deeper insights can alter not only the trajectory of a person’s life but also that of a magnificent SilverLining on its enchanting odyssey around the equator.
Having admired all your great stories and fantastic pictures thus far, I am absolutely convinced that an extraordinary continued journey lies ahead for you.
Gratienne and I will be delighted to continue following your path in the months and years to come.
Please keep us updated!