A summary of events so far

From a sailing anarchy member...

Thank God I did not start reading this now! There are a lot of pages and topics and you really should read the 1000 days at sea and the 1000 days of hell in their entirety. You have to read from the beginning to truly understand the insanity of everything. You can skim over it and get the general idea, but you really cannot understand how crazy this is. Most of it is just plain entertaining on the scary side. A few weeks ago someone else asked for a summary. I suppose it is something others will ask for too, so try this...

crazy guy cons people for over 10 years to give him money and crap to sail to Mars
crazy guy cons girl to be his sex slave for a 1000 days
couple leave and try to get blown up by Navy
unable to get the Navy to kill them, they attempt to smash into container ship
unable to hit it, but due to the weak vessel, they wreck the bow sprit and blame those of us who did not give them money
duct tape and drywall screws now hold the ship together
in order to keep from dehydrating due to runny shits from the all sprout and veggie diet, the couple consumes enormous quantities of cheese (also donated)
they eat partially digested fish found inside another fish
they drift
they drift
they drift
the boat leaks
the diesel tank leaks
the toilet leaks
Reid leaks on the yoga table
there are thousands of pounds of coal reacting with the water trying to self ignite
they show us a picture of their life raft
they stop at an Island and accidentally send us a photograph of it
Reid gets stuck in the rigging and has to have sex slave bring him down
the couple get scurvy
Reid finally cleans the bottom with the sails up and boat moving
the propane bomb is exposed and then covered back up with bedding and drywall screws
the rest of the bedding is wrapped around the entire boat like an wacko house to keep Sonya from getting hurt when she tries to break out
the sails rip because no one donated sail covers
Reid has to quickly super glue them back together to make it to his drug drop
And finally, everyone here plays a little game by posting comments on Reid's blog.

Merits of Reid's Mars Ocean Odyssey

On Reid's web site he has a media brochure that contains a mission statement and a list of goals he said he would achieve during his 1000 days voyage. With the Anne disabled in the southern ocean after 220 days lets see how he is getting along.

Goals
1. To obtain valuable information on the physical and mental stress which must be overcome during such an extended voyage. The solitude that will be a major part of this journey will give insight into man's tolerance during an extended isolation from land.

Do they have a baseline physical and mental examination before they left. Are they collecting data. Do they even have a scale? Hardly.
Isolation? What Isolation? They are in constant contact with their "mission control" and begging for intellectual support regarding challenges they encounter. Finally, it seems that they have planned a rendezvous during the journey. Presumably that still meets their goals though as long as it is out of sight of land???

2. To evaluate the effectiveness of various psychological support techniques when applied
under actual field conditions and examine ways to resolve interpersonal conflicts.

Following a program are we? Applying a variety of methods? Following scientific methods and principles? I don't think 'being nice' is a program or basis for study.

3. Critical information will be developed not just for survival but for sustainable human existence. This would include food, clothing, boating equipment, communication and a host of other items that while seeming insignificant during normal life on land, may assume critical
importance under the stress experienced by isolation.

This could have been applicable if the boat wasn't 40 years old, based on an outmoded design (particularly inappropriate for short-handing), using archaic materials, leaking into the food stores, and requiring constant supervision and maintenance.

4. We can increase our knowledge of the southern oceans through daily recordings of
water, air temperatures, wind speeds, water and atmospheric pollution and ozone depletion.
Through these records we will gain insight into our ultimate dependence on our environment.

In a post on their blog Soanya admits that they don't have as much as a thermometer to collect water temperatures. They have no instrumentation what so ever to accurately collect ozone, pollution, or wind data.

5. Education components are planned to instruct those who follow the voyage. Subjects to be
studied are: marine and atmospheric sciences, satellite communication, celestial navigation,
computer technology, sail boat repair and maintenance, nutrition, gardening, health,
physical education, geography, oceanography, math, world history, languages, psychology as
well as a host of other topics.

The interactive education components that were scheduled with various groups all seem to have canceled. The regular educational updates have not been happening. Sat com, navigation, computers, health(he has scurvy)??? Is he an expert or authority in any of these disciplines? The boat that Reid is sailing was built using obsolete technology that people don't care to repair... Is it useful to know how to repair a black and white television? Reid can't find the only oceanography text that he has on board. Finally, he has not succeeded to teach his even partner Soanya the most basic sailing skills in 220 days.

6. To inspire others to voyage beyond human expectations.

Personally I hope that he inspires no one to voyage out in such a haphazard, unprepared manner; endangering not only their own lives but those of rescuers as well.

7. To promote a global message of hope, peace, perseverance, achievement and excellence..

Hope? For what? Peace? How? Perseverance? Likely. Achievement? Suspect. Excellence? Not by any standard. Unfortunately for their own safety he should have turned back before entering the southern ocean. He is setting a very poor example for other sailors.

Clearly he has not met any of his goals. Unfortunately this entire farce has been without any merit or value(other than entertainment) to anyone what so ever.

Reid Crosses the Line

On November 3rd, Reid Stow published a blog entry on his 1000Days at Sea website comparing his Cheese Ocean Fantasy to the hard work that soldiers from countries all over the world are doing in Iraq and Afghanistan. Whether you agree with the politics of the mission in the Middle East, we are all united in support of the troops abroad, and cognizant of the very real danger they face every day. Many of us are outraged at the fact Stowe could possibly draw comparisons between what he is doing, and the risks and dangers faced by our soldiers abroad. I am not alone in having family who have and will serve overseas. Below are my thoughts about Stowe’s comparisons to the brave men and women selflessly putting themselves in danger at the request of their country, with the hope and belief that they are creating a better world for those in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Weed Fucking Stowehurst, are you out of you damn mind? (Rhetorical question, answer is obvious)I come from a military family. My mother and both uncles served, and continue to serve in the Canadian Forces. My three male cousins are all enlisted, and one has done 2 tours in Talibanistan, with another to come next year. I have spent over a year volunteering with elderly veterans at the local veteran’s hospital; men who are full of courage, yet so modest about how they have contributed to their country and world. These men touched my life and shared their harrowing stories of serving in the WWII and the Korean War with me. They crossed the Atlantic many, many times, with the knowledge that it was only luck that prevented a torpedo from penetrating the hull of the vessel they sailed in, aimed for the propeller shaft they stood next to. Some of them were captured and spent time as prisoners of war. I know one man who was within minutes of his death at the hands of the Hitler Youth, only to have his life spared by a German military officer at the last moment. That is courage. This post PISSES ME OFF!

Everything from following orders, to the rifle range practice, to training with the Air Force Scuba club in the Philippines gave me the knowledge, skills, and confidence that I have used throughout my life.

Really Weed? I didn't realized they taught lying, scamming, freeloading, womanizing, drug running, avoiding responsibility, laziness, deception, and fucking sprout growing in the Military.

Our voyage may seem to be a fantasy dream come true, but it also has elements similar to military duty. The sea is a dangerous place to be and no one on any boat is totally secure.

Oh really Weed? As dangerous as Iraq or Afghanistan? I didn't know that.Funny, in all the time I've spent sailing I've never sailed over an IED. I've never picked up pieces of my best friends body. I've never been shot at. I've never been subjected to incoming artillery. No one in the crew ever detonated an explosive device attached to their body. I've never gone days without being able to sleep. I've never been hit by shrapnel. I've never had to sleep with a gun beside me. I've never been woken up by alarms announcing incoming fire. My family has never sat at home, anxious and scared because they haven't heard from me while I'm away at a regatta, and they certainly have never spent months full of anxiety wondering if they would ever see me again. I can clearly see how your voyage is just like military duty.

We are continually faced with challenges and we have to come up with creative solutions immediately. We overcome our problems.

Last time I checked Capt'n Crunch, all of your problems to date are a direct result of your own poor ass preparation. You haven't faced any serious weather at all. Last time I checked, there was no one ORDERING you to go to sea to drift aimlessly until you sink.

Imagine the logistics necessary to have everything you need for 1000
Days in a dangerous, high performance environment!

You call it logistics, I call it begging and scamming. High performance environment? You can talk about high performance when you break 6 knots (yes, I’m being generous in my definition of high performance). There is NOTHING high performance about what you are doing. Just STUPID!

The list of skills is also long. Responsibility, commitment, honor, presence, courage, selflessness, patience, clarity, strength, agility, and keeping your head when things get out of control are words that apply to your situation and ours.

Honor Weed? There is no honor to what you do. Courage? No courage, just stupidity and ignorance. Selflessness? Laughable!! No one but YOU benefits from what you are doing (unless you count the ample fodder for parody and resulting entertainment). How many schools have you built Weed? Can little girls get an education now because of what you do? How many roads and bridges have you built? How many lives have you saved? Responsibility? You have done nothing your whole LIFE other than run from responsibility! Keeping your head when things get out of control? Talk to us when things finally get out of control Weed, and we'll see how you and the Devoid Ho are making out then.

When you are finished with your calling and we are finished with ours and you want to go sailing, contact me and I will try to give you advice and help.

God help me! Weed, you are the last person on earth any SANE person would consult about sailing!!!! Don't you think so damn highly of yourself!

We encourage you to share your thoughts on Stowe's comparisons by emailing us or commenting on this entry, or share them with Stowe directly by posting here.

This post is dedicated to my wonderfully brave, strong, responsible, honorable, selfless cousin, who will be doing tour 3 in 2008. Come home safe, Dave. I love you lots.

Reid's lies...

Reid Stowe is a profligate liar, misleading his followers, the news media, sponsors, and anyone who would listen. Again and again and again. While we have heard of numerous lies that Reid may have perpetrated, we have only posted those that we can verify. In no particular order...

- Reid Stowe lied about setting a record regarding sailing a small boat across the Atlantic: In a TV interview by Harold Channer which aired August 4, 2003

- No one had been to Antarctic before Anne: In a TV interview by Harold Channer which aired August 4, 2003

- Reid Stowe lied about having a collision with a freighter: Again and again and again to anyone who would listen

- That NASA has an interest in his "mars ocean odyssey," However NASA has actively disavowed any association with him: Again and again and again to anyone who would listen

- The very premise of Reid's voyage has come into question after this photo was found on his web site of him planning a Rendezvous during the voyage.

- Reid's claims: "A feature written about the Explorers Club of New York by Conde Nast Traveler describes Reid as being the "genuine article, with an old-fashioned spirit of adventure" and "a man with that rare combination of unbridled passion and impetuosity." Nicholas Sullivan, president of the Explorer's Club, adds that "By virtue of his Voyage of 1000 Days, Reid will be one of the greatest explorers ever."" However a search of Conde Nast Traveler finds no such article.

- Reid misleads anyone who will listen about sailing up the Amazon river on his home made catamaran : Perhaps he may have sailed in the Amazon basin but any sailor knows that clearly there is no way he could have sailed a catamaran(without a motor) up the Amazon river.

- Reid mislead his sponsors and lived off their gifts for 10 years (doing nothing), while telling them he would use it for the trip.

- He mislead everyone about his level of preparedness for this journey (which is probably the worst of all,as he will kill both himself and Soanya)

- Reid has claimed credit for artwork that was created by his ex wives.

- Reid lied about being knocked down three times: Telling the story at one place he says three times, and at another place he says 1 time.

- This may seem trivial to a non sailor but could be extremely important... Because Reid has told 4 different versions of the story, it is unclear where Annes' masts were from Danish forest or NC: Masts from the Danish forest would have much more structural integrity than those from his back yard.

Does anyone have anything to add?

Trousers Ablaze – And They’re Full of Shit

According to Wikipedia, between 1973 and 1976 Reid Stowe traveled the Atlantic making two crossings, one of which was solo. The vessel was a 27 foot catamaran that Stowe had constructed at his family beach house in North Carolina. According to Wikipedia, “The catamaran was, at the time, the smallest vessel to navigate the North Atlantic.” The reference Wikipedia sites is an interview conducted by Harold Channer on July 31, 2003 and which aired August 4, 2003. In that interview, Mr. Stowe himself states, “... I sailed the smallest boat across the Atlantic Ocean…”

This Stowe cat was not even close to being the smallest vessel to navigate the Atlantic. There were at least 20 boats that made the Atlantic crossing before 1973. That’s a very conservative number because it only includes boats under 20 feet in length who sailed point to point across the ocean – it doesn’t include circumnavigators who simply crossed the Atlantic as part of a larger effort or even - yes - rowboats. A 20’ boat crossed from Ireland to Boston as early as 1870. In 1965 Robert Manry sailed from Falmouth, MA to Falmouth England in the 13.5 foot Tinkerbelle. That’s HALF THE SIZE of Mr. Stowes “smallest boat to navigate the North Atlantic”.

What record could he hold, then? Smallest boat to make the trip both ways? Nope – that honor belongs to Fredrick Norman & George P. Thomas who sailed from Gloucester to Cowes and back again in 1880/81. Oh – and their boat was a strapping 16 feet long.

Could he hold the record for the smallest catamaran to make the trip? Or the smallest to cross in a self made boat? No and no.. In 1957 a gentleman named Jim Wharram crossed in a 23 foot catamaran with a couple of German ladies in a boat he built for about $420.

Oh, and regarding his Antarctica Expedition, in this same interview Mr. Stowe says of that trip – “It’s really dangerous, that’s why no one had done it”. In fact, over 70 private boats had made the trip before the Anne did in 1986 including Americans Robert and Nancy Griffith and their son Reid (coincidence). In 1970/71, fifteen years before the Anne dropped anchor for a beer and a barbecue and then skedaddled back to warmer waters; the Griffith family had already circumnavigated Antarctica.

Not first boat, smallest boat or even smallest catamaran to cross the Atlantic once or twice. As far as the Antarctic trip, they had sold out of the “been there-done that” T-shirts before the thought of traveling to the bottom of the world had even crossed Stowe's mind.

Being very generous, then, here are the results:

• Atlantic Small Boat Navigation – 20^th Place
• Race to Antarctica – 70^th Place
• Bull Shit Artistry – 1^st Place

Come on up and get your Pickle Dish.

References:

For supporting data, I relied heavily on two sources. For the Atlantic crossings I relied most on Microcruising.com section “Famous Small Boats” found here http://www.microcruising.com/famoussmallboats.htm. A comprehensive list of Antarctic trips is found on a page titled Antarctic Sailing Chronology (Yacht Cruises to Antarctica) http://www.sy-lundi.de/chronology.html. While I used these two sites as primary sources, I verified all the details contained herein with other sources and can provide them on request. Here’s the Interview with Stowe and Channer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkK3CS6qAo4. If you’d like a list of times where I culled important information, feel free to e-mail me with your request (nobody should have to suffer through the whole hour).

Rendezvous?

No outside assistance? Seems like they have more contact with dry land than most.
Reid actually thanks all the outside support he has gotten in regards to small problems along the way. I believe that is outside assistance. And today I was coasting through the gallery section of 1000days.net and ran across one pic that made me scratch my head. That would be pic #43 in Captain and friends. Am I the only one seeing a problem here?

A refreshing new voice

The following is the first post from a new www.sailinganarchy.com member who goes by the logon Luna. Her post seems to sum up what many people are feeling:

Well I've been following Reid and Soanya for a while and quite honestly he scares the crap out of me. I lived full time on a cruising boat in the Caribbean for 5 years and cannot imagine going anywhere offshore without spares. But aside from that, Reid just lies and lies. He says recently that the engine was professionally rebuilt but if you look on their website under Gallery, you'll see him and Soanya working on it. But my big question is this - what difference will it make if your engine runs or not if your prop and shaft are so fouled? If his hull is covered with barnacles and crap, his prop is a disaster for sure.

Another thing too -- another Reid lie. In late April he says he and Soanya slept through the night as he couldn't see any boats around. Now this was while he was still near shipping lanes. So duh! what kind of a surprise is it he came close to a ship on May 6th and he didn't know it was there. I don't buy the "ship hit me" story either -- the people at SA make way more sense that Reid does. And he shows a CARD on his website as part of their equipment for the trip.

He is definitely ill - physically and mentally and there is no way they will survive a storm. One man cannot manage those sails and Soanya will freak when they start trying to hand steer that fouled boat in 20 ft seas and 40 knot winds. Their diet does not afford them the strength to handle anything more than what they're in now. This story has gone from silly to scary. And now Reid's praying for a diesel mechanic. Well all the lah lah ooh and aah folks who think the photos are cute and they're so brave on the heavily sensored blog don't know anything about sailing or boats. Only the SA crowd do and he doesn't want to hear the truth!

Whew! I feel so much better now getting that out of my system!

The alleged collision

While Reid Stow claims that during the 14th night of their voyage; the bowsprit of his boat was damaged in a collision with the 1000 foot container ship Maersk Dundin, it has become clear that this is untrue. Using entries from their own web site and contacts with the marine industry, the users of www.sailinganarchy.com have definitively proved that they collision could not have happened:

Prior to the collision the the bowsprit of Reid's ship Anne had a figurehead lashed to the bow pulpit. If there had been a collision between the 70 ton Anne and a 1000 foot container ship, clearly the wooden figurehead would have damaged if not destroyed. From the photos in this blog post it is clear that the figurehead is undamaged. Figurehead Recovery Photos

The pipe that the bowsprit was fabricated from has been identified from Reid Stow's photos... It is clearly inadequate and the mode of failure has been identified.

There is no insurance claim or official Coast Guard investigation... Contacts in the marine industry have contacted the owners of the container ship and commented on the lack of an insurance claim or investigation.

It would have been impossible for the damage to have been caused by a collision with small ship let alone a 1000 foot long container ship traveling at 20kts... In such a circumstance there is no such thing as a glancing blow! If there had been an actual collision there would have been lots of collateral damage to the boat. If the Anne had been close enough to hit the ship with her sprit, the displacement from the ship would have "sucked" the Anne in and there would have been several more points of contact. As well, the masts of the Anne would have been crushed against the side the ship.

The most likely scenario here is simply the failure of an untested part of Reid Stows rig due to inadequate design. As well, if Reid was close enough to read the name of the ship; The wake from such a large vessel traveling at speed would be roughly 2 meters high. High enough to hit Reid's sprit from the side, causing the damage that we see here.

The big question is why would Reid lie about it... There are several theories why he would do that

NO collision. Enough said!

The Mystery of the Sand

The journey of Reid and Soanya has many mysteries. On day 147 Reid inspected the water tanks, quite crucial for a long journey. The main tanks, he stated, have algae problems, the other tanks are fine. With this story he posted a picture:

While he claims to be inspecting the water tanks, both seem to be full of ... sand?

Letters - We got Mail~

From ********@yahoo.com (account since 6/1/03)

I ran across Reid Stowe & his 1000 Days At Sea “adventure” back in April just before he began his journey. I was intrigued by the idea of such a journey, but thought that he & Soanya must be crazy. I wouldn’t want to spend 1000 days at sea just to spend 1000 days at sea, much less 1000 days with just one other person for company (even if she was a little hottie 32 years my junior). I have checked the journey’s websites almost daily and come to the opinion that Reid & I would probably not have much in common. I’ve never understood the whole hippie, mystical, mother earth, artsy fartsy, yoga, karma, heart-shaped course B.S; but to each his own. As far as I know, he’s not hurting anyone and just because his personal philosophy & world view isn’t my cup of tea doesn’t make him a bad person (a weirdo probably, but not evil).

I have so far taken their postings at face value. I’m not a sailor and I’ve been interested in how much daily hard work seems to go into keeping his boat functional. However, their diet would bore me to tears. I can’t imagine eating that same boring stuff every feakin’ day for 1000 days.

However, there are days I think it must be nice to be at sea, enjoying the beauty around you with no to other responsibilities other than taking care of your self that day. No politics, no traffic jams, no erectile dysfunction commercials, etc – just peace & quiet. But, 1000 days of peace & quiet with nothing to see from horizon to horizon would probably get old after about a year. That is has been my main interest in following this endeavor, to see if they can really pull it off without killing each other.

In trying to learn about this weirdo character Reid Stowe, I was doing various Internet searches and came across your site. You “apparently” have a different view of Reid Stowe & his sailing adventure. The question that has come to my mind while reading your site is, why all the animosity towards this guy? You guys seem REALLY pissed off and out to get him on a very personal level.

You’re putting a lot of time & effort in to trashing him. Why?

I understand that I’m running the risk of being labeled a “Reed-Hovian” in asking my question, but I’m trying to figure out if you guys are just mean-spirited assholes tearing down someone because you have nothing better to do, or if this Stowe character actually did something to one of you (stole money, screwed your wife, ect.) and now is pay back time?

I’m not sure if I should think you guys are jerks who should get a life or encourage you in your efforts? Please help me decide.

Sincerely,
Bemused & Confused in Tennessee

Dear Bemused & Confused -

As opposed to the Jessie blog, we are happy to post any and all comments and emails from folks that have questions or even differing opinions (as long as they are intelligence and well written)

I will leave it to the readers of this blog to better answer your questions - Fellow bloggers - Chime in to help Bemused and Confused:

FYI to folks emailing us: We won't give up your email address, but where possible we will post how long you have a specific email account - This in an attempt to weed out the Hovians that are using a throw away account

Reid Hovian Cult: Fact or Fiction?

There has been some discussion by our friends at Sailing Anarchy.com on whether or not Reid Stowe is a cult leader.
In the interest of an honest, fact based discussion, I have spent several hours conducting research on the possibility. Here are my findings.
In 1994, Madeleine Tobais and Janja Lalich published Captive Hearts, Captive Minds [1], an indepth look at cults, and recovery. In their widely referred to work, they identify characteristics of cult leaders, which I have summarized here:
1. Glibness/Superficial Charm
2. Manipulative and Conning
3. Grandiose Sense of Self
4. Pathological Lying
5. Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
6. Shallow Emotions
7. Incapacity for Love
8. Need for Stimulation
9. Callousness/Lack of Empathy
10. Poor Behavioral Controls / Impulsive Nature
11. Early Behavior Problems / Juvenile Delinquency
12. Irresponsibility / Unreliability
13. Promiscuous Sexual Behavior / Infidelity
14. Lack of Realistic Life Plan / Parasitic Lifestyle
15. Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Stowe demonstrates many of these characteristics. Through his charm, he has been able to convince people of the importance of this voyage, solicit contributions, and his story telling capabilities are evident on his blog. He portrays this voyage as having great importance to mankind, despite the fact that no data of any scientific value has been collected, and NASA has no interest in his trek, nor are following it. His former girlfriend has provided details and evidence of his promiscuous behavior, and how he has taken credit for artwork which was produced by his former wife. Reid has not been honest about his criminal past, and his lack of financial support for his daughter. There is no evidence to indicate that Reid has been gainfully employed to fund the voyage, but instead has relied on the contributions of his followers (financial and in labour), and companies he has been able to secure as sponsors. That he would attempt this voyage under crewed, with only a young and inexperienced sailor clearly demonstrates his lack of responsibility (that he would endanger the lives of others to achieve his purpose), lack of a realistic plan, and that for him, the ends justifies the means, at all costs.
There has been much research done into cults, and what defines a cult. A common tool used to identify cults is the BITE checklist, developed by Steve Hassan[2]. It summarizes the mind control techniques used by cult leaders to promotes dependency and obedience to some leader or cause. It is not necessary for every single item on the list to be present.

I. Behavior Control
1. Regulation of individual's physical reality.
2. Major time commitment required for indoctrination sessions and group rituals
3. Need to ask permission for major decisions
4. Need to report thoughts, feelings and activities to superiors
5. Rewards and punishments (behavior modification techniques- positive and negative).
6. Individualism discouraged; group think prevails
7. Rigid rules and regulations
8. Need for obedience and dependency


II. Information Control
1. Use of deception
2. Access to non-cult sources of information minimized or discouraged
3. Compartmentalization of information; Outsider vs. Insider doctrines
4. Spying on other members is encouraged
5. Extensive use of cult generated information and propaganda
6. Unethical use of confession

III. Thought Control
1. Need to internalize the group's doctrine as "Truth"
a. Map = Reality
b. Black and White thinking
c. Good vs. evil
d. Us vs. them (inside vs. outside)
2. Adopt "loaded" language (characterized by "thought-terminating clichés"). Words are the tools we use to think with. These "special" words constrict rather than expand understanding. They function to reduce complexities of experience into trite, platitudinous "buzz words".
3. Only "good" and "proper" thoughts are encouraged.
4. Thought-stopping techniques (to shut down "reality testing" by stopping "negative" thoughts and allowing only "good" thoughts); rejection of rational analysis, critical thinking, constructive criticism.
a. Denial, rationalization, justification, wishful thinking
b. Chanting
c. Meditating
d. Prayinge.
e. Speaking in "tongues"
f. Singing or humming
5. No critical questions about leader, doctrine, or policy seen as legitimate
6. No alternative belief systems viewed as legitimate, good, or useful
IV. Emotional Control
1. Manipulate and narrow the range of a person's feelings.
2. Make the person feel like if there are ever any problems it is always their fault, never the leader's or the group's.
3. Excessive use of guilt
4. Excessive use of fear
5. Extremes of emotional highs and lows.
6. Ritual and often public confession of "sins".
7. Phobia indoctrination : programming of irrational fears of ever leaving the group or even questioning the leader's authority. The person under mind control cannot visualize a positive, fulfilled future without being in the group.

There is ample evidence of these techniques being used by Reid, and in the interest of space I will not delve into the details here, though it can be found in Reid's own blog writings, the responses to criticisms by the Reid Hovians, and in the analysis provided on Sailing Anarchy.com. Stowe's indoctrination is clearly evident in both Soayna, who has isolated herself from friends and family, and the outside world while submitting herself to great danger and the sexual demands of Reid, and the many Reid Hovians who have infiltrated the Sailing Anarchy forums, while not allowing reasonable comment on Reid’s own blog that may bring into question the value or safety of his mission.

There is help available. Many organizations have been formed to assist those in re-integrating after being assimilated into a cult. I encourage Reid Hovians to seize the opportunity presented by Stowe’s absence to visit the Cult Information Centre.

[1] Landau Tobias, Madeleine et al. : Captive Hearts, Captive Minds, 1994, ISBN 0-89793-144-0
[2] Hassan, Steven (2000) Releasing the Bonds: Empowering People to Think for Themselves. Aitan Publishing

Where is Reid and the cheese schooner Anne?

Sailflat's point of view...
So here is the deal...
Remember the "rescue mission." http://1000daysofhell.blogspot.com/2007/10/rescue-mission.html
The "rescue team" arrived there a few hours ago, just before sunset.
I had a call from a reporter that had wanted me to wait with this announcement until he could get a hold of 1000 days first for comment. It seems that their media contact is jerking him around, people are starting to ask questions, and so I decided not to wait.
And can you guess what they found???? NOTHING! Thats right folks.... NADA. They went to the last reported position which wasn't very old, especially at their drift rate, and had a look about visually... Nothing. Turned on the radar. Nothing again. So the question is. Is this really just a big scam; or is Reid mis representing his position(still a scam by the way); or are they anchored somewhere?
The crew of the boat says that they will pack it in for the night and put in an all out search effort tomorrow come first light.


Reids point of View...

HeHeHeHe... They can't find me.

Saynara's point of View...

Dam I wish they would find me and get me off this crazy thing.

MasterCheese Theater

Required viewing for those seeking enlightenment of all things Reid:

This one's a public access cable show that the dynamic duo dazzled before fleeing the States.

http://videos.whiteblox.com/gnb/eventDetails.aspx?event_id=11480

The host appears just as clueless as our intrepid stoners.. er, voyagers.



This is a highly entertaining piece from a powerboat tv show

http://youtube.com/watch?v=UDafJ5WZTL4

If a blonde powerboater can see this sham for what it is, what's that say about the ReidHovians?

PROOF THAT REID CAN SEND AND RECEIVE EMAILS

Reid's direct email address is xxxxxxxxx

I got it off the Metocean tracker account properties for his boat Anne.

Examine this picture closely taken from the official website. Note the number of incoming and outgoing emails, and on the left hand side, email addresses of people who are in direct contact with him.

If you want to tell Reid what you think about his charade, cut out the censoring middle man, the website manager, and email reid direct to the above address.

You gotta feel sorry for the website manager. He has just been gazumped. Time to pack up the bags and fly to Liberia. You're out of a job buddy...Poor Bugger.

Good Old fashioned detective work strikes again...

Proof that there was no collision

Thanks to bloodygazza at Sailing Anarchy for finding a picture that I have been looking for. It is from Reid's website and called saving the figurehead:





To put it quite simply... If their had been an actual collision there would have been no figurehead left to save.

Void Ho The Story behind the Phenomenon

"Void Ho" is part of a conceptual Musical called "The Subconscious Sea". I was trying to find a way to help fund the voyage and I used what I knew. The show was conceived and sequenced by me. Musically by Todd Colburn and Lyrically by Reid. I have a copy write notice to prove it. The three of us plus a bass and drum player made up the cast. The show was about myth vs. dreams vs. reality. It used a band, film and live action. This is one of the filmed sequences. I am neither disturbed by your comments nor surprised. The show had a one day preview in November of 2003. My friends came out to support me and to find out what the hell this was about. They liked Todd's music and my vocals but hated Reid and the film sequences. From that day forward they tried to get me off the boat."

Suzanna Bowling

Ten Quick Reasons

September 20, 2007
Day 151

Ten Quick Reasons

Wind WSW 5-8 knots, Course WNW, Speed 0.2-0.3 knots,

Position: 02° 18 N, 08° 34 W

These are ten reasons why I like it here, unpremeditated and quickly written:

REID'S TOP TEN REASONS TO BE AT SEA HERE & NOW

I like being alone in an empty place inside my head.
I like the power of kidnapping Soanya.
I like going nowhere where I've never been before.
I like being the Master of My Own Domain.
I love the safety of sailing across the ocean, far from the people I testified against.
I love that no one can deliver another subpoena to me out here.
I like the mysterious feeling the weed gives me.
In the ocean, no one can hear Soanya you scream.
I like sharing the magic mushrooms with the world.

Soanya's Top Ten

It's good to be away from bailiffs, sheriffs and District Attorneys.
It's good to experience the Captain intimately.
It's an opportunity to learn just how much weed I can smoke in a day.
I like being able to tell people what it would be like if we were actually at sea.
I get to rediscover methods of birth control that modern man forgot.
I get to do Reid every day.
It's healthier now that Reid can only bang me.
I found the wonderful partner to show me the magic of weed.
No one but Reid is telling me how to be.
I'm not stuck paying off my student loans.

The quotes of reid stowe

"The boat vibrates in a harmonic sort of way, Soanya throughly enjoys it. I've been keeping her in tune always ready to go." - Reid Stowe

"Sailing the Atlantic twice to four continents on this little catamaran - my biggest fear was a gust of wind would come too fast and too strong and blow the boat over... so I always had to be aware of watching out that not too much wind comes." - Reid Stowe

"When Soanya and I finish the Mars Ocean Odyssey, we expect to participate in preparing astronauts to go into space for an extended period of time. After we've done some training, they will demand Parmigiano Reggiano cheese along with their packaged food". - Reid Stowe

"This face, tongue, and eye exercise is invigorating and transformative." - Reid Stow Yoga Log

"I use my stomach muscles and diaphram to suck up and rotate my internal organs to stretch and massage them from my heart to my lower intestines." - Reid Stowe Yoga Log - March 4, 2007

Bowsprit Pipe

That is a piece of dredge pipe that is made from thin wall flat stock spirally bent and welded at the factory. This kind if pipe is cheap and disposable. Think how long pipe lasts on a dredge in salt water. Low pressure application, main property the pipe has is abrasion resistance, totally unsuitable for a structural application, nowhere near the strength of schedule 40 prolly more like schd 20. Matter of fact this kind of pipe is not even listed in the Manual of Steel Construction Allowable Stress Design book on my desk.

Bowsprit engineering 101

Bowsprit engineering 101

A seam weld on the upper surface, will far outlast a longer spiral weld which cannot be thoroughly painted internally, and which encourages salty water to pool against the bottom of the weld every 12" internally, thereby preventing water from draining out.

It is possible that the wall collapse was caused by inadequate thickness, or excessive rust. I guess the lifelines will be next. Why didn't Reid paint the inside of the bowsprit, or use some of his magical rubber paint ?? It is more likely to be caused by the brittle nature of the spiral weld itself, in a localized area of stress at the forward end of the mounting bracket. Every sideways and vertical movement of the boat is jarringly transmitted to a small section of the weld in touch with the forward most edge of the FLAT mounting plate and its collar. This could have been avoided by fitting lateral support stays, bobstays and a dolphin striker, or sleeving the tube at this point.

Reid has shown the ability to cut through the pipe. With two more cuts, he could have sleeved the tube or slitted one, so as to slide it over the other. Alternately, he could have lashed the two pieces side by side. He's got fiberglass cloth and resin. he could have straightened the pipe and applied a splint (He's got enough spare wood). You have to question his failure to do any of these things, preferring to say "and theres nothing I can do, sitting in my tin can, far above the world..."

The crudely designed bowsprit had been hurriedly constructed to be readily removed to reduce docking fees (which are charged on overall length). The removable nature of the bowsprit, on a flat steel frame designed in an attempt to overcome an obviously weak fore deck meant that it was inadequately mounted and poorly engineered.

The absence of structural damage to the bow, the absence of antifoul or paint on the bowsprit, and the ease by which they went back to sleep, allowing it to flog around from 2:30 to sunrise with a fragile carving on the end, seriously calls into question, the allegation that the boat was struck. Reid clearly intends to write a 1000 page book about this venture. He thinks he has found something to fit on page 146.

(yawn).

Other factors, such as the low angle for the roller furler, the unprecedented roller furler tension introduced by winching on the runners too hard, (in an attempt to allow one person to do the work of three), the shock loadings of the heavy wooden masts flicking backwards and forwards, a higher than normal wave , and the excessive loadings of a moving pipework pulpit, meant that an inch of the brittle spiral weld decided it had enough. Spiral weld is not brilliant when exposed to compression either.

Thats all it took. A brittle weld decided it didn't like being flexed or compressed.

Read about the whole 100 days. Pages 147 to 1000 are all going to be the same:

Boatspeed zero.
Think we have a net caught on the keel.
Caught a fish and ate it.
Sayonara has two braincells, not one.
fitted more baggywrinke.
Found mold in the water, in the diesel tanks, in the pasta, in the cabin, yada yada yada

$69 from all good bookstores. Hurry and order now while stocks last....