The world famous yacht, PACHAMAMA, (Incan word for "Mother Earth"), has set sail from San Francisco and will arrive in Dana Point by April 1, (no fooling).

This Global Climate Expedition is the 1st expedition to go over the 7-Seas to the 7-Summits, all to be achieved by human and nature’s power only; sailing, cycling or hiking.

So, who are these hearty rugged individuals that would take on such an extreme mission? A man who is a climatologist, his wife who is a nurse, and their four children, ages 3, 5 ,7 and 9, who were all born during this amazing journey.

This incredible yacht is equipped with 11 Solar Panels and 2 Wind turbines, making it THE example for the cruising world, demonstrating what is possible in extreme conditions with smart renewable technologies.

Their mission is to inspire children for a better future. Along the expedition they share examples of nature’s beauty and innovations for a green planet, in classrooms all over the world. Besides school presentations there are some public events scheduled for April that are listed below. Other boaters plan to greet them when they arrive, so be sure to let me know if you want to be part of that. If you have room for others onboard your boat please mention that too. We’ll be texting their progress as they approach so include a cell phone number when you send an email to gary@sanclementegreen.org.

Here is the latest from their blog:

Pachamama’s new sails are now going to get well and truly tested as we sail down from San Francisco to Dana point just north of San Clemente. After a very busy week getting the boat ready to leave, we are now keeping an eagle eye on the weather, looking for a gap in the swell coming off the Pacific to set off and get past ‘Point Conception’ safely. We’re a little nervous as a lot of what we have heard is that this can be quite a bumpy passage with Point Conception dubbed the Cape Horn of the Pacific, so time will tell, and we’ll be in touch when we make it to Dana Point.

If you have 11 minutes to spare, please view their latest video to get to know them better. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself watching it more than once. If you do watch it, but don’t feel moved and inspired, I suggest you check for a pulse :-)

See the map for where they have been (red line)and where they will be going, (yellow line). Mount Vinson, the tallest peak in Antarctica, is their last summit to reach, and they’ll be charting a figure eight course around the Americas to get there.

Public events scheduled for April

There are a few to choose from so I hope you can make it to at least one presentation.

Saturday, April 11 @ 12:00 - OCEAN INSTITUTE

24200 Dana Point Harbor (MAP)Admission to the Ocean Institute Public Programs is $6.50/adults, $4.50/children, members of OI are free. No further admission is required to attend the presentation.

Tuesday, April 14 @ 6:30 - Potluck dinner with Transition Laguna Beach

Neighborhood Church Hall, 340 St. Ann’s Drive, Laguna Beach, Ca. 92651 (MAP)

Thursday, April 16 @ 6:00 - The Ecology Center

32701 Alipaz St, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 (MAP)

Please sign up on their event page here

Bon Voyage Party is tentatively being planned for April 24th or 25th at the San Clemente Community Center. More details to come later!

For more information or donations please go to http://www.toptotop.org/