Ask Richard about the Atlantic crossing
Have you got a question for Richard about his latest world record challenge? The Virgin Money yacht is now safely on it’s way to Bermuda and Richard will be checking in to his blog early next week. So now’s your chance to ask him anything you want about his transatlantic adventure. Richard will only be able to answer a few of your questions and only the very best will be put forward so make it a cracker.
Submit your question by adding a comment to this post below or ask your question via the virgin.com Twitter
27 Responses to “Ask Richard about the Atlantic crossing”
Mike Hackman - October 24th, 2008
Richard-
What is your strength and serenity during the worst part of the trip, in the 40 feet waves? It must be a soul searching time when you are being beaten around in the cabin and wondering when the storm will end. Please share some of your insight with us so we can learn from your strength.
Thanks,
Mike Hackman
Des Moines, IA
Red at night, sailors delight
Red in morn, sailors be warned
Dave Olejniczak - October 24th, 2008
Richard,
What kid of winds did you face during the worst part of the storm and what was the highest speed the yacht has achieved? I hope you can get the sails fixed and give it another shot soon! Good Luck and best wishes!
Dave
Stephen Helmlinger - October 24th, 2008
Dear Sir Richard,
Just read the news report of the voyage; bad luck, that. Glad you’re all safe, and better luck next time!!
S.C. Helmlinger
ParisTraveler - October 24th, 2008
Richard, how long do you plan to stay in Bermuda? Are you planning to effect repairs to Virgin Money there and then sail on to the UK? What is the new plan?
David Carke - October 24th, 2008
Do you think you could peek back into the world of narrowboating after such exciting challenges? I have created a boat worth peeking into and if you would like a relaxing break to recharge your batteries you are welcome Bon voyarge
Best wishes
David
http://www.cutabove-narrowboats.co.uk
Andrew James Stephen (aka Andy) - October 24th, 2008
Sir Richard Branson…I’m Proud of You! You are the man!
Richard, I don’t know if this will ever get to you…..but I’ll put this out to you anyways……I know that you’ve had to abandon your time speed voyage today on the 24 October, 2008……but I have no doubt you would have stuck it through to the end if it was not for the fact your two children and crew were aboard…..you first took them into consideration…..I know…..had you been alone on that beautiful ship you would have stuck it out and probably beat it out……if this ever gets to you…..get back to me…..because at 53 you are the only man I can think of mano o mano who I would love to have a drink with……Good luck Bro…..Andy from Canada…..
ThomasABeer - October 24th, 2008
Whew, apears you made it! I was expecting better news Sir! When I first saw the boat , I thought”to big of a mainsail”, right your raceing for time.
I have enjoyed you on the Web. site at Virgin, nice to see the pictures. I’ll try to think of a big Idea, I see you have a place for it! (more fireplaces that produce steam driven electric generaters}. I’m 57yrs now and things to quite around here for the past three years. I Got to do this on the new Verizon FiOS. Remember to talked to the water and skies while sailing, I did and it helped. Great!
Yasmin - October 24th, 2008
Hi Richard,
Do you think your ability to stay cool and bounce back after setbacks is the *main* secret to your success?
I’m just reading Losing My Virginity and it seems to me it might be…
Eg: Anyone else who could keep it together after a flock of birds flew into and blew up their new plane’s engines is … beyond gifted!
Sorry about this latest setback. Are you still smiling?!?! I hope so!
(PS I have a ripper travel/Internet/business idea for you in Australia - something which I found in France, which doesn’t yet exist Down Under).
All best wishes,
Yasmin
Bondi Beach
Dr Jamesie Adams - October 24th, 2008
This question is to my friend holly, how do you feel about not getting the record does it mane you more determined or will you be lookingh at other avennues of lif, I still think it is aweome they you did this as a family. How did sam holdf up?
all the best and a safe trip
love x x x x
jamesie
Brendan M - October 24th, 2008
Hi Richard,
Are there any plans for a second attempt at crossing the Atlantic, and if so when?
Clay - October 24th, 2008
Richard,
I am a Hot Air Balloon pilot and also IFR Plane Pilot. I have followed Steve Fossets and your adventures and wonder where you would put this challange on your list. I know its a big list :)
Thank you
God Speed Steve Fosset
Dennis Holmes - October 24th, 2008
Dear Richard,
Do you feel your stormy voyage across the Atlantic is metaphoric for the turbulent times humanity is now facing as far as our situation with the economy, our energy crisis, and global warming? Did you find yourself thinking
about the bigger picture in life and what is the most crucial issue facing humanity right now and how you might be part of the solution?
I may never get another chance to ask you a personal question so here goes, if a global warming solution was here on this planet so powerful that would solve our energy crisis, revitalize our econony, restoring our ecosystems and atmosphere, in one fell swoop, would you act on it today?
Can you provide a brief update on the Virgin Earth Challenge?
Warm Regards,
Dennis Holmes
G.E.M. Technologies
http://www.omegaenergycell.com
Providing the world and future generation with
a Safe, Clean, & Self-Sustaining energy source.
Greg Tingle - October 25th, 2008
Hi Richard
Regarding the mission aborting on this occasion…was it more the fact that you lost a life raft or had family on board, or a combination of both and other elements? I ask as we know your pretty fearless, but as you say, you live to fight another day.
Donna Manzi - October 25th, 2008
The part I love best about this particular adventure, is that you launched it as a family affair. My husband and I are super close to our kids and would love to share such an adventure with our, like yours, grown kids! What a bonding thing to do. Although God had a different end result for you, it was a safe end result.. and ..there is always ‘next time’! Having said that.. will there be a next time? and will your family be joining you?
moira nordholt - October 26th, 2008
dear richard,
everyone has his or her own definition of adventure. yours is obviously not a trip to the spa for a pedicure. i suspect that for you, an adventure wouldn’t be an adventure without the odd 40-ft rogue wave.
for me, an adventure is a journey into the unknown, way outside my comfort zone, where personal beliefs are brought up for questioning, fears are faced, perceptions shattered, and i’m left forever changed by the experience.
i’m sure many people question your sanity and like to warn you of all the possible things that could go wrong on any given adventure.
how do you reconcile to the naysayers your love of adventure with your love of life?
thank you for your constant inspiration.
moira
solo motorbike adventurer
http://www.firehorserider.com
Frank R - October 26th, 2008
Hi Sir Richard,
Would like to let you know what a remarkable man you are on all the things you have down and accomplished in this world. Glad to see you are safe from you voyage - when are planing to attempt it again? And also, when is you next trip to Toronto - what a wish for me to meet you someday.
Cheers,
Frank R
Peter A. Mello, Weekly Leader - October 26th, 2008
Sir Richard;
How do you and the crew feel being outward bound ahead of a storm that causes most other mariners to look for safe refuge?
How do you balance the exhilaration with the concern about undertaking this type of high risk adventure with your son and daughter knowing that if something catastrophic happened to the boat there would be slight chance of rescue in the weather in which you choose/have to sail?
How does Virgin get away with you undertaking these high risk adventures when Apple stock goes in the tank when Steve Jobs sneezes?
Finally, thank you for using social media, like this blog, YouTube and Twitter to share your adventures with us.
I look forward to following your next attempt and wish you Godspeed.
Fair Winds,
Peter A. Mello
Weekly Leader - http://weeklyleader.net
Sea-Fever blog - http://sea-fever.org
Messing About In Ships podcast - http://messingaboutinships.com
jennifer - October 26th, 2008
Dearest Sir Richard,
You are so amazing and commendable w/all your works in the world, I’m wondering why you didn’t have the confidence to “walk on water” when the waves threatened you? You don’t have to be Jesus, as Peter was shown…My question is: “If you were only given 3 more years until the end of the world, would you do anything differently? …even though you and others are doing an incredible job of “Saving the Earth”. I love your work w/ the elders, philanthropy, and service along w/ a high life. It’s very inspiring.
Best,
Jenny
rgray - October 26th, 2008
Dear Richard,
I was following you every step of the way.I can’t even imagine what looking at 40 foot waves must have been like.What bravery!However,you are not foolhardy enough to risk the lives of your children.
I think next time you must attempt this record without your children aboard so that you can focus 100% on the task at hand.
Look on this as a trial run maybe.I know you will be successful next time round.
Best of British luck!
Rosemary Seymour-Gray
Patrick Hemmens - October 27th, 2008
Sir Richard
I have the ultimate challenge for you, and it will only take 4 hours.
Cross the roughest channel in the world on a surfski ( racing Kayak ) With 20 knot wind and 15 foot swell behind you, you will have the most excillerating challenge race ever. If you are up for your next challenge contact me.
If Virgin is going to fly to Hawaii think about the media coverage you will get.
Thanks
Patrick
Bob - October 29th, 2008
Thanks for all your questions. Richard has answered a few of them over the phone for you so you can listen to him here:
http://entrepreneur.virgin.com/2008/10/29/richard-answers-your-questions/
thanks again
Bob
Debra Jenkins - November 8th, 2008
Dear Sir Richards:
It just occurred to me that the family vacation for the Obamas on necker Island can also be a chance for him to met with The Elders. They can be a source of wisdom for him.
Be Blessed,
Debra Jenkins
David - November 8th, 2008
Hi Richard,
So do you have any room for a Aussie sailor on the boat? The ‘Land Down Under’ is where the real waves are! Let me know when I can come and join you for a ride….
David
Evelina - November 11th, 2008
Dear Richard,
Just Greetings that You came back!
We love you!
Take care,
Evelina
Rennie Marshakk - November 11th, 2008
Hi Richard: I keep reading adjectives like dreams dashed, abandoned etc and I am having a hard time associating them with you. What little I have read and seen about you would make delayed seem more appropriate. I haven’t met a sailor yet who didn’t love a good storm. How’s the adrenaline level and when can we expect a sequal?
Bob - November 12th, 2008
Hi Rennie
You can listen to Richard’s direct responses to everybody’s questions about the Atlantic challenge in the next post here: http://entrepreneur.virgin.com/2008/10/29/richard-answers-your-questions/
Including the answer to when he intends to set sail again :)
Bob
Elizabeth-Dolphin-Grimme - November 26th, 2008
Hello Mr. Richard Branson.
I would like to wish you very much much more sucess, in whatever your doing, but my question is : Why do you not have flights flying into the airport of St. Christopher/St.Kitts, the capitol of Bassettere, in the carribbean, we are waiting so long for such a pleasure, there are flight going to Antigua, St.Lucia, Barbados, etc, etc, etc, please Mr. Richard, we love you and your flight’s but please, please, please, ” WHY NOY ” We are tired, of British Airways, please what do we have to doto get such a service as other islands, I am sure I can get a list of so many names who would back this service stating that we want your service please.
Thanking you very much.
The Kittitians People.
Leave a Reply
Remember that by posting a comment you are agreeing to the website Terms of Use. All comments are moderated.