The Little Boat That Could

For the last 12 days of his 27-day passage from the Bay to Kauai in the Singlehanded TransPac, Ruben Gabriel was sailing his Pearson Electra Sparky under jury rig. On July 27, Gabriel got a gust of wind that Sparky‘s mast just couldn’t contain. It snapped a couple feet above the gooseneck, dropping everything on the foredeck. When Gabriel called Race Chair Synthia Petroka to alert her of his situation, she inspired him by saying “You’re a singlehander — you’ll figure it out.” And indeed he did. While some may have thrown in the towel and requested assistance, Gabriel became more determined than ever to finish what he started.

Yesterday, just after 7 a.m., Sparky crossed the finish line and was taken under tow by fellow racer Skip Allan aboard Wildflower. Gabriel was greeted by the ersatz race committee — Petroka and her committee had to fly home earlier in the week — and his girlfriend Robbie Murphree, who had not only kept family and friends updated on Sparky‘s progress, but also kept Gabriel motivated by reading him supportive emails. When he arrived onshore, he was greeted by a host of remaining racers along with his family, who flew in as a surprise.

“I’ve come to the realization that this wasn’t just a sailboat race, but a test of human spirit,” Gabriel wrote in an update to friends. “I was able start the race due to all the support from friends and family, and I was able to complete it due to all of you who sent positive thoughts and well wishes. This race really did change my life in so many wonderful ways.”