Sailing around Alaska with a new hip

Not many people are up to the task of crewing a 43ft yacht round the choppy and chilly waters of Alaska. Fewer still would attempt it following major surgery. But Nicholas Evans, former High Court Judge is a man that clearly relishes a challenge, and with his new hip he felt that he was even better equipped to take on this one.

Nick had his hip replacement only 6 months before, under Marcus Bankes, Fortius Consultant Hip Surgeon. When we spoke to him he was confident, ready, and raring to go. So much so that he promised to keep us updated on his journey, sending us regular posts so that we can follow his progress.

“I suppose what you want is a snap of me strapped to the wheel, fighting a gale in a huge sea, with a conveniently photogenic killer whale surfacing in shot? I’ll see what I can do…”.
 

After 48 days at sea and having covered something like 2,000 miles we arrived back safe and sound. Skipper and crew are still on speaking terms and I am very grateful to Tim to have had the opportunity to sail the Inside Passage. The first week was bloody cold and wet, but thereafter the temperature was fine and occasionally hot. The winds were either non- existent or too strong and almost always coming from the wrong direction, but we survived. An experience not to be forgotten.