EMILY’S WAY

Sailing solo around the world has provided much adventure and drama for 26 year old Emily Richmond. At sea for 2 years, Los Angles based Emily has embarked on what is expected to be a 4 years’ sojourn.

Recently becalmed off the coast of East New Britain with mechanical problems in her 25 feet fiber glass hulled “Bobby” Emily used her satellite phone to contact her father in America for help. Mr. Richmond found Rapopo’s web site and called Rapopo’s General Manager Brian Martin seeking assistance and advice.

Brian enlisted the support of KABARIA DIVE and Dive Master Stephen Woolcott. They were able to determine the yacht’s location using Rapopo’s marine radio channel. Stephen assisted “Bobbie” ( named after assassinated U.S. Presidential candidate Bobby Kennedy) to safe harbour and mooring off Rapopo’s beach.

Repairs are likely to take some weeks and will require removal of the vessel from the water.

Ms Richmond’s epic voyage to Rapopo has been via South America, Easter Island, Pitcairn Island and Samoa. From Rapopo she will sail to Madang PNG where she will assist in anthropological studies of remote indigenous tribes.

“Easter Island has been my most exciting port of call” Emily said. Many of the local would be swains competed for the attractive Emily’s attention! History does not record the outcome.

Self taught sailor Emily grew up in Florida , studied at Los Angeles University for a degree in Film Production. She worked for a New York fashion magazine before purchasing “Bobby” at the tender age of 21.

Her homeward journey will be via Australia, Bali, South Africa, Dubai, South America and Trinidad. She will then become only the fourth or fifth woman to sail sole around the globe.

Emily’s voyage is funded with donations from web site “ CROWD FUNDING” and the assistance of several private sponsors.

She navigates with a range of electronic devices including GPS ,a satellite phone, two way radio and her ubiquitous lap top.