Dennis Howard is nearly blind. He has one acrylic eye and 10% of his vision in the other. However, over the last two years, and with the support of hundreds of people locally and nationally, he set off on a sailing journey to Puerto Vallarta to prove those will disabilities are capable of overcoming incredible odds.
To watch the video please click the link below
Dennis Howard sailed out of San Diego on Nov. 1 for what was supposed to be a life-affirming, around-the-world solo voyage, after illness had claimed most of his sight.
A rescue and assistance team from the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mellon approaches the sailing vessel Avalo during a rescue operation some 160 miles southwest of San Diego November 5, 2011. The lone sailor aboard the Avalo, Dennis Howard was taken from his vessel at that time. US Coast Guard Photo
Four days later, about 60 miles off the coast of the Baja peninsula, the U.S. Coast Guard ended Howard’s journey by removing him from his boat after a ferocious storm left him with just one sail.
The Coast Guard’s version of the story is that it was dispatched on a rescue mission by Howard’s friends, who received an emergency message from the sailor during the storm.
Howard’s version is that the Coast Guard forced him off his boat, a 20-foot Pacific Seacraft Flicka called Avalo, without properly inspecting it for seaworthiness. They left the uninsured vessel there, along with most of the possessions he had in the world.
To read the complete story please click on the link below
Hi Dennis, I just read your article in the paper this morning,
outrages! I am also a small boat sailor of your age and plan on
another trip before I die (north).
My 2 cents is that really think about suing before you start. I lost
everything in the 2003 fires and ended up paying lawyers. 2 years of
negativity, $5,000 a month and dragged on until your bankrupt. It is
better to put that money to a new boat and positive goal than lose the
last years of your live in negative regret.
I am in no position to help you financially (others might) but I am a
shipwright and have a collection of sailing gear and time to help you
with another boat if you need.
John
I just read the article in the San Diego Tribune about the US Coast
Guard’s untimely and unwelcome intervention of your solo trip on the
Avalo.
As a fellow sailor, who knows his capabilities and limitations, I’m on
your side (and my sailing buddies are as well!)
I hope you find the Avalo, and that you get a chance to set sail once
more!
Take care.
Doug
San Diego
So, with a super productive few hours, I should be underway today, bound for Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. About fifteen hundred miles as the ship sails.
Little Avalo, though in a state of dishevelment as this is written, is ready. And, hopefully, so is the crew. Through the last weeks, great assistance has come in many forms, with particular note to Harold Of Custom Marine Electronics spending his evenings on the electronics; Ken Spaulding the knot-master and significant supporter, Kitty, Chris and David of Downwind Marine, Gretta of West Marine, Brad Oliver of Half Moon Marina, and the list goes on. When I’m in PV a proper tribute will emerge.
The send off party/concert at the Wine Pub was, in a word, sublime. Perhaps the best music that I have been privilege to join. I have been so blessed in San Diego. The benefit for the expenses of my new (and great!) eye was terrific, due in part to the tireless contributions of Linda and Sandy. Continue reading
Check out Dennis on the Mitch Albom Talk Show in Detroit
