Donna Lange; 2x Horn knockdown & damaged

[CapnK]

To help get the word spread for what I think at least some sailFar'ers would consider a "worthy cause", I'm going to put this up for a bit in the general discussion area here before moving it to Members Only.

Most of y'all will know who Donna Lange is; if you don't it won't take much for you to find out a lot more about her online. Suffice to say that I feel she is very much a 'sailFar type' of person, one who since last summer has been attempting to solo nonstop circumnavigate on her 28' Southern Cross sailboat.

She got caught out by storms before the Cape, and suffered 2 knockdowns which damaged her boat and gear to the point that it was not prudent to continue with her original plan. She headed N, and is going to have to do a Canal transit after getting her boat and such straightened out. Her partner started a GoFundMe page to help deal with the unexpected expenses of the things she'll need to do to get home.

Some may feel that she should handle this on her own; I have no argument with that sentiment, to each their own. But I have personally been inspired by what Donna has done, so I figured I'd throw in a small contribution as a way to show my appreciation for how I have benefited from her travels and experience. I also thought I'd share this so those who feel the same would know about it.

I can only imagine the sense of relief that I would feel in similar circumstances if, after having gone through what she has, upon arriving safely at a point where I could start putting 'my life' back together again, I found that a whole slew of people I didn't even know had been inspired by what I was doing enough that they chipped in to help me realize my dreams.

Maybe some of y'all will think the same. If so, then: https://www.gofundme.com/cqx7wnhj

Below is a post made in February by her partner with more details, and there is even more current info on the GFM page.

I am posting this on Donna's Facebook page to give everyone an update of Donna's status aboard INSPIRED INSANITY. This is Bob Philburn, Donna's partner, "my Bob" for those following on the Sailblog. Donna last updated her blog on Feb 12 as the weather was intensifying.
Yesterday morning, Donna and INSPIRED INSANITY suffered two significant knockdowns in some big confused seas. The top of the mast was underwater for a time. The rigging was partially damaged, the wind instruments are gone, the cockpit dodger was destroyed, her bed and the area below were soaked, everything not nailed down was airborne, including a big pot of oatmeal on the stove, the stove stopped working as well. Most significantly, her laptop was damaged.
Donna was not hurt, although she was pretty well shaken by the events of the day. Miraculously, the satellite receiver and phone still work. Thank you, Luis and Jon at Global Marine Networks. I am in phone contact with Donna.
Donna has decided to sail INSPIRED INSANITY north and away from Cape Horn. The damage to the boat and the long-range forecast for the Cape were significant factors in her decision to divert away from rounding Cape Horn at this time this year. She is currently at 47.6 degrees South, 94.1 degrees West. She is hopefully able to sail north enough to avoid the next big storm forecast for February 19 or so.
The loss of her laptop means she will not be able to update her Sailblog. I am trying to figure out how to do it for her, but have no password. Anyone who could assist me with a way around that will be greatly appreciated.
Donna is SAFE aboard INSPIRED INSANITY at this time. She was able to get the stove working again and can make heat for meals and tea. That is good.
I will try to update her status on Facebook and hopefully on her Sailblog, if I can gain access. Please share this with your friends and check back.
Donna is determined to keep sailing and finish her voyage in Rhode Island if there is any way possible. We will try to make that happen for her. Thank you Joan Conover, Michael Wall and many others for all of your hard work helping to keep Donna safe.
Please keep Donna in your thoughts and prayers today. She is my hero.
Thank you,
Bob Philburn

[Bubba the Pirate]

Great idea to share here.

Ironically,  I just threw a few bucks in her hat this morning. She is definiteky an inspiration to me - and a ukulele player too!