Posted: 8/8/06
Sailor successful in circumnavigation
By Jane Palen
Managing Editor
Caledonia sailor Ardell Lien has successfully completed his solo journey around the world.
Although he is still at sea, the 71-year-old crossed his departing longitude of 117 degrees 13 minutes west at about 8 p.m. on July 31. Lien explained in an e-mail to the The Argus that ìwhen a vessel passes the longitude of departure after crossing all other longitudes, a circumnavigation is complete.î
Lien undertook his ambitious journey on May 7, 2005, when he embarked from San Diego in the 27-ft. Catalyst. The voyage would be considered remarkable in any event due to Lienís age, but it is extraordinary considering that just three years ago, Lien received a heart and kidney transplant. In fact, Lienís purpose in undertaking the journey was to draw attention to the need for organ donation. He garnered some publicity during the course of the trip, but now that he has succeeded he can expect even more attention for his feat and his cause.
Lien is hoping to reach Hawaii by August 25 so that he and his wife, Maureen, can celebrate their 44th wedding anniversary at the Hale Koa Hotel. The couple may have to hold off their celebration a few days, however, because Lien is currently in the ìdoldrums,î an area near the equator characterized by light winds, and estimates that he is about 330 miles behind schedule. His goal throughout the trip has been to make 100 miles a day.
As of Sunday, Lien had spent a total of 228 days at sea.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com