Waupaca entrepreneur sailed from Greece to U.S.

By Maggie Jones

Donavan Lane

Donavan Lane will discuss his 46-day sailing trip from Greece to Delaware at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30, at the Waupaca Area Public Library.

On May 3, Lane was part of a three-man crew on a 38-foot Admiral catamaran named Kathleen.

Departing from Athens, Greece, they sailed west through the Mediterranean Sea to Gibralter, then south along the west coast of Africa to the Canary Islands. From there they began the longest leg of their adventure, sailing west across the Atlantic Ocean to Bermuda, with a final leg up to Delaware.

Acknowledging that his life had become routine, Lane said he found himself with an amazing amount of time on his hands. His children were grown, and his business could survive without him for a while.

“I decided to pursue this sailing dream,” Lane said, “after completing sailing lessons and becoming certified in Key West, Florida.”

He said his dream was “to sail big, beautiful boats in turquoise blue water.”

To gain some necessary sailing experience, Lane connected with a website that put him in touch with a retired British Navy captain looking for a third hand on his volunteer crew.

Lane posted his sailing certifications and his credentials: “semi-retired, free to travel, strong, physically fit.” Within a few days he had made plans for his exciting once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Lane will share what he observed and what he learned on his adventure, including his crew duties encompassing many different areas on a daily basis: diplomat, dishwasher, bartender, chef, sailor, photographer and fisherman, among others.

He faced frightening, high waves and strong winds and recovered during peaceful, calm seas and gorgeous blue skies. He put his people skills to the test and will share how he managed to survive 46 days with two other crew members he hardly knew.

The program is free and open to the public. Cookies and coffee are served at 6 p.m. and the program begins promptly at 6:30 p.m.

Winchester Academy is funded through sponsors and tax-deductible donations. Lane’s program is sponsored by Dave Hathaway.

For more information about Winchester Academy, check winchesteracademywaupaca.org, follow on Facebook, or contact Executive Director Ann Buerger Linden at 715-258-2927 or [email protected]