Rimas Boatless but Still Dreaming

Has controversial Russian-born American sailor Rimas Meleshyus finally come to his senses? Ever since he crash-landed the first of his two San Juan 24s in the Aleutian Islands a few years ago, both friends and critics have been trying to talk him out of pursuing his dream of being the first to solo circumnavigate one of these tiny sloops, which were clearly not designed for open-ocean sailing. But until recently, this ultra-strong-willed sailor always refused to listen.

A longtime supporter called yesterday to tell us that after a six-month’s stay in American Samoa, Meleshyus has sold his boat, Pier Pressure, and all her gear for $700, having decided that it is not the right tool for the job. Regular readers may recall that he arrived at that American territory (needing a tow into the harbor) on December 9, after drifting and sailing for 122 days from San Francisco — a crossing of 4,000 miles.

Now back in Washington State, Meleshyus evidently has not totally given up on his fantasies of circumnavigating, but he’ll probably never again attempt it in such a small boat. We’re told he’s now in the market for something bigger and more substantial — well, at least two feet longer anyway; perhaps a Contessa 26.