Royal Natal Yacht Club
Paul Erskine
You sit in absolute awe, listening to the adventures of Paul Erskine as he chats whilst readying himself for his next challenge, the 45th Colorpress Vasco da Gama hosted by the Royal Natal Yacht Club starting in Maputo this Thursday.
“The Vasco da Gama is a gruelling contest and definitely not for the faint hearted. When I am sailing, whether it is a race along the South African coastline or a pleasure cruise around the Greek Isles, I always expect the unexpected as the weather can change in a heartbeat and the ocean is a fickle mistress.” Erskine states.
This is Erskine’s second Vasco, one of the toughest ocean races in Southern Africa, “I participated last year, that was my inaugural race and found the event challenging, exhilarating and I decided then that it would be an annual event.”
This year Erskine’s team that left for Maputo last week (Thursday 25 April) are the underdogs in the 15 strong fleet, “We are a young team, three of the team are under 25 and five of the guys, this will be their first Vasco. So it will be a great challenge for all of us but I have the utmost faith and believe we will do extremely well!”
Proudly, Erskine states, ‘’My son Caelan, and his friend Chris Walder are also part of the crew. Both of the guys are fifteen. I am really looking forward to the great father and son bonding sessions to be had at sea.’’
The adventurer is sailing on the magnificent Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 40ft yacht, Alkistis, “Alkistis came into our family in mid-2011, Alkistis is a Greek name meaning ‘Starred or name in lights’. She certainly has lit up my life.”
The sturdy yacht is not the only thing that has lit up Erskine’s life as he expects a busy month in May. In mid-May, Erskine will be awaiting his bride as he weds on the 17th, “I plan on this adventure lasting the rest of my life!” claims the smitten gentleman.
And this man is familiar with adventure, with his first epic odyssey finding him summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in 2009. “Every adventure is memorable in its own right, whether it is climbing Kilimanjaro as a personal goal or participating in the Mongol Derby to raise funds for Fairhaven Orphanage in Durban North under the Indlela Charity.”
Erskine who grew up on a farm in Harding has made giant leaps in the world of escapades with his phenomenal bucket list, “I am a humanitarian, adventurer and philanthropist with a firm foundation in my Christian faith.” he comments. “I have been incredibly blessed to have been able to see and do what I have done.”
His bucket list includes the seven summits; seven wonders; great dives around the world and a number of one off adventures be it skiing in France and Switzerland, hot air ballooning over Magaliesberg; fox and hound hunting in Ireland or dog sledding in the Arctic Circle.
He shares with us his mantra, “As one person I cannot change the world, but I can change the world of one person by acting the life of God. Let your friends and business colleagues look up to you with respect because they see your life being lead according to great principles.” He stresses, “Make people say I want to have what you have!”
Asked who he admires, he simply responds, “Sir Rudolph Fiennes, the world’s greatest living explorer!”
And what does he pack first before he disappears on another awe-inspiring voyage, “Several things in fact – my Bible, a wind-breaker, compass and a bottle of Whiskey.” he concludes with a smile.
So this weekend, look to the horizon as we watch out for one of our local modern day explorers undertaking the Colorpress Vasco da Gama as he successfully finishes offshore of Durban.
For more info on Paul go to www.paulerskine.co.za
No comments:
Post a Comment