Donna Lange: World voyager & talented musician

Posted By on January 7, 2007

Donna Lange on Inspired Insanity
In a post a couple of days ago I mentioned solo sailor, singer and songwriter Donna Lange and commented that I would see if I could get permission to share some of her music. I’ll include a couple cuts to the right sidebar under the heading “What I’m listening to,” with the caveat that if you like her music you’ll consider writing Donna’s mother and sending a check for $20 + $2.50 postage and handling for her music CD:

Donna Lange CD
Wilton Mobile Home Park
314 Louden Road, Lot 131
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866-6514


As she navigates ever so close to South America’s ‘graveyard of the sea’ — Cape Horn — where fellow single-handed sailor Ken Barnes was just rescued, the better weather looks to be holding. In an email I received this morning from aboard SB Inspired Insanity, Donna wrote “I should be around the horn monday morn. i am just under 300miles, a solid 2 1/2 days. Then i will head up to the channel and to Puerto Williams. This is a challenging passage, but this sailor is now far more experienced and the equipment and repairs to her 28 foot boat have made it far safer than when she started. For me personally, it is good to see that there are still people dreaming and doing, sadly … 99% of us will forever be “just dreaming.”
:-(
EDIT-6PM update: Click here for an actual morning plot and an 18:00 EST estimated update as she approaches Cape Horn.

EDIT: I am following Donna’s voyage daily; here are a few other posts.

EDIT: Use the link on this post to connect with Google Earth daily plots of Donna’s progress along with log entries.

EDIT: Adding an ‘Equator Crossing’ updated post. Bristol, Rhode Island homecoming estimated in mid-April. Stay tuned to welcome Donna home.

I’ll finalize this post with the latest email that was sent to the handful communicating regularly with her … adventure types enjoy!

1625UTC 1125local/NY 0525NZ
LAND HO!!!!!!!
I had just got off the phone with Jonathan, confirming plans. The winds have gradually settled down over the last hour and it was time to take a reef out of the main. It is imperitive that i make good time today to make Puerto Williams by tomorrow night. As I open the companion way, a waft of warm air washes across my face, the sun filtering through a haze, soft white. There had been a ship that was going by earlier. As i strained my eyes to see it, I realized that in the liftng clouds, i was looking at Land, not horizon. The jagged edged mountain tops ridged and steep to the sea, were not clouds, but shadows of Chile’s Island of Tierra Del Fuego. I was suddenly full of excitement. just minutes ago I was daunted by the task of getting up to and along the channel,driving and sailing headwinds. But now the magic of the adventure has grabbed a hold of my imagination. The whales, seals. The sea captains. Those who live at Cape Horn, not just ‘go around’ it. The glaciers and penguins. The people here. And I will have an introduction. The music of Argentina…so romantic and passionate. I am still 54 miles from the Cape, but I should have some sight on it by this afternoon, and if I am not already around it at dark, surely its light will be shining close ahead. I have to find my camera. Shoot. in just 2 days i will have to be personable. If I know me, at some point, especially if the sun really comes out, i will take a bath and wash my hair. try to scrub 2 months worth of dead skin off my shins. it seems to be worst there. It only gets like this because it has been cold. even the first weeks when it was still relatively warm, i was ‘air fluffing my skin’, but once it gets cold, i become a hermit hiding in my polar fleece layers. Next sighting… the CAPE. loves to all. xoxoxo d

Comments

  • dizzydan

    Oh this story is fantastic. Does she call her music celtic or folk? I don’t know my music like I should but enjoyed the 2 songs you included. Keep us posted.

    Daniel

  • dizzydan

    Oh this story is fantastic. Does she call her music celtic or folk? I don’t know my music like I should but enjoyed the 2 songs you included. Keep us posted.

    Daniel

  • http://www.StillCrazySailing.com Light

    Hello and Ahoy!!!

    I have been following Donna Lange and her circumnavigation over the world’s oceans. What a thrill I felt when I read her update about having just ’rounded Cape Horn! She is a complete JOY to read on her site: http://www.DonnaLange.com

    If you visit there, you will soon be one of her supportive fans. In this day of technology, Donna is doing a very basic feat of human courage and strength. Her faith and loving spirit will touch all who read her updates and her personal journaling as she (over two YEARS ) Single Handedly (solo) adventures completely around the world on Mother Ocean on her 28 foot sailboat, Inspired Insanity! Can you imagine spending 167 days without walking on land?
    Her music is rich and inspiring. She is what I would call a modern day John Denver. She writes and sings her songs along with other favorites. To Donna: FAIRWINDS, STRENGTH and LOVE on your Last 7000 miles from Argentina to Rhode Island.

    love and light and following seas to you all,

    Light

    http://www.StillCrazySailing.com

  • http://www.StillCrazySailing.com Light

    Hello and Ahoy!!!

    I have been following Donna Lange and her circumnavigation over the world’s oceans. What a thrill I felt when I read her update about having just ’rounded Cape Horn! She is a complete JOY to read on her site: http://www.DonnaLange.com

    If you visit there, you will soon be one of her supportive fans. In this day of technology, Donna is doing a very basic feat of human courage and strength. Her faith and loving spirit will touch all who read her updates and her personal journaling as she (over two YEARS ) Single Handedly (solo) adventures completely around the world on Mother Ocean on her 28 foot sailboat, Inspired Insanity! Can you imagine spending 167 days without walking on land?
    Her music is rich and inspiring. She is what I would call a modern day John Denver. She writes and sings her songs along with other favorites. To Donna: FAIRWINDS, STRENGTH and LOVE on your Last 7000 miles from Argentina to Rhode Island.

    love and light and following seas to you all,

    Light

    http://www.StillCrazySailing.com

  • http://www.StillCrazySailing.com Light

    Hi there again,
    Just wanted to follow up on Donna Lange. It seems as though Donna’s great website has been getting so many hits that it is down for a day or two due to lots of interest. Her new site address will be:
    http://www.DonnaLange.org and should be up and running in a couple of days.

    Donna is doing the last work on Inspired Insanity before she sets sail from Argentina to begin the last leg of her world circumnavigation! So a little patience and then you can check her site for what she is doing on those last 7,000 miles to Rhode Island! Join me and light a candle each day until Donna arrives home! Fair Winds Donna and keep your hands and feet WARM… we will be thinking “warm” thoughts for you!
    http://www.DonnaLange.org

    love and hugs,
    Light
    http://www.StillCrazySailing.com

  • http://www.StillCrazySailing.com Light

    Hi there again,
    Just wanted to follow up on Donna Lange. It seems as though Donna’s great website has been getting so many hits that it is down for a day or two due to lots of interest. Her new site address will be:
    http://www.DonnaLange.org and should be up and running in a couple of days.

    Donna is doing the last work on Inspired Insanity before she sets sail from Argentina to begin the last leg of her world circumnavigation! So a little patience and then you can check her site for what she is doing on those last 7,000 miles to Rhode Island! Join me and light a candle each day until Donna arrives home! Fair Winds Donna and keep your hands and feet WARM… we will be thinking “warm” thoughts for you!
    http://www.DonnaLange.org

    love and hugs,
    Light
    http://www.StillCrazySailing.com

  • http://www.myarchive.us RichC

    Hmm … great minds think a like.
    :-)
    See last nights post …
    http://blog.myarchive.us/?p=661

  • http://www.myarchive.us RichC

    Hmm … great minds think a like.
    :-)
    See last nights post …
    http://blog.myarchive.us/?p=661

  • Colin McKenzie

    What a fantastic voyage
    I also would love to do the same
    What is the ballast ratio of the little yacht and what is the keel and rudder configuration?
    Is the design to a regular class or is it a 1 off ?
    Best wishes
    Good sailing

  • Colin McKenzie

    What a fantastic voyage
    I also would love to do the same
    What is the ballast ratio of the little yacht and what is the keel and rudder configuration?
    Is the design to a regular class or is it a 1 off ?
    Best wishes
    Good sailing

  • http://www.myarchive.us RichC

    Colin,
    The Southern Cross 28 is a very seaworthy little yacht … check out the owners site if you are interested.
    http://www.southerncross-boats.org/
    Model Southern Cross 28
    LOA 30’5″
    LWL 20’2″
    Beam 8’6″
    Draft 4’8″
    Displacement 8500 lbs
    Ballast 3400lbs

    Donna’s boat has been heavily rebuilt with some added features and extra glassing after here first bluewater passage. She found several areas that were in need of some TLC.

    Thanks for all the comments and be sure to check out my updates
    http://blog.myarchive.us/index.php?s=donna+lange
    as well as her updates:
    http://www.donnalange.com
    or her log:
    http://asaaba.com/donnalange

    RichC

  • http://www.myarchive.us RichC

    Colin,
    The Southern Cross 28 is a very seaworthy little yacht … check out the owners site if you are interested.
    http://www.southerncross-boats.org/
    Model Southern Cross 28
    LOA 30\’5\”
    LWL 20\’2\”
    Beam 8\’6\”
    Draft 4\’8\”
    Displacement 8500 lbs
    Ballast 3400lbs

    Donna\’s boat has been heavily rebuilt with some added features and extra glassing after here first bluewater passage. She found several areas that were in need of some TLC.

    Thanks for all the comments and be sure to check out my updates
    http://blog.myarchive.us/index.php?s=donna+lange
    as well as her updates:
    http://www.donnalange.com
    or her log:
    http://asaaba.com/donnalange

    RichC

  • http://www.StillCrazySailing.com Light Energy

    I felt a need to put out a word to any adventurers out there. Donna Lange and her 28′ sailboat,Inspired Insanity, are in the mix. Her Log for Tuesday, February 5, 2007 is sheer adventure as you can read of rough seas and too much water in a little sailboat. If you like adventure stories — you will go wild for this spirited entry in Donna’s sailing log! But you have to remember, this isn’t a chapter in an action/adventure novel this IS Donna’s life on the Southern Ocean.

    I raise my cup (of warm soup) to this modern day Explorer! If you want a rush, and if you have a heart health check from your doctor, then read “Status Updates” at http://www.DonnaLange.com.
    Donna is a solo sailor going around the world! While you are on her site, check out her music! To Donna: Fair Winds my sweet friend, much strength and love and hugs to you,
    Light

    http://www.stillcrazysailing.com

  • http://www.StillCrazySailing.com Light Energy

    I felt a need to put out a word to any adventurers out there. Donna Lange and her 28′ sailboat,Inspired Insanity, are in the mix. Her Log for Tuesday, February 5, 2007 is sheer adventure as you can read of rough seas and too much water in a little sailboat. If you like adventure stories — you will go wild for this spirited entry in Donna’s sailing log! But you have to remember, this isn’t a chapter in an action/adventure novel this IS Donna’s life on the Southern Ocean.

    I raise my cup (of warm soup) to this modern day Explorer! If you want a rush, and if you have a heart health check from your doctor, then read “Status Updates” at http://www.DonnaLange.com.
    Donna is a solo sailor going around the world! While you are on her site, check out her music! To Donna: Fair Winds my sweet friend, much strength and love and hugs to you,
    Light

    http://www.stillcrazysailing.com

  • http://www.myarchive.us RichC

    Aye matey. The best way to see current posts on Donna is probably her website, but you can see all of mine here:
    http://blog.myarchive.us/index.php?s=donna+lange

  • http://www.myarchive.us RichC

    Aye matey. The best way to see current posts on Donna is probably her website, but you can see all of mine here:
    http://blog.myarchive.us/index.php?s=donna+lange

  • Yaz Baltacigil

    So nice , beautifull ,
    I also want to do it , right now. But I am also a musician , a bass player , doublebass , is like a boat too .. the only problem is how to put my bass on my boat .Maybe I can put it right after the boat , like tender to Azavedo (my boat’s name ..)or just put a mast to the bass ..
    love to all sailors and the musicians .
    Yaz.

  • Yaz Baltacigil

    So nice , beautifull ,
    I also want to do it , right now. But I am also a musician , a bass player , doublebass , is like a boat too .. the only problem is how to put my bass on my boat .Maybe I can put it right after the boat , like tender to Azavedo (my boat’s name ..)or just put a mast to the bass ..
    love to all sailors and the musicians .
    Yaz.

  • http://www.lutek.ro Roman Alberto

    nice site

  • http://www.lutek.ro Roman Alberto

    nice site

  • http://www.StillCrazySailing.com Light Barrett

    Update on Donna Lange! Donna has under 700 miles until she reaches the dock in Bristol, Rhode Island and the finish line after a two year Solo Circumnavigation! Please send her your prayers and best wishes to help her along through this last heavy weather. She has gale force weather heading at her and I know she appreciates each of us who send her a little love along her journey. She has the gulf stream and the gale force winds to cope with. Nearly HOME. Let’s all join together to help this amazing woman home safely. She is expected to reach Bristol, Rhode Island on April 21st. This woman is sailing this historic voyage in a time when most of us know adventure by turning on the TV. Let’s join in support of a woman who is a modern day EXPLORER and all around amazing woman!

    visit her site for the lastest on her adventure!
    http://www.DonnaLange.com

    FAIR WINDS my DEAR FRIEND… love and hugs, Light

    http://www.stillcrazysailing.com

  • http://www.StillCrazySailing.com Light Barrett

    Update on Donna Lange! Donna has under 700 miles until she reaches the dock in Bristol, Rhode Island and the finish line after a two year Solo Circumnavigation! Please send her your prayers and best wishes to help her along through this last heavy weather. She has gale force weather heading at her and I know she appreciates each of us who send her a little love along her journey. She has the gulf stream and the gale force winds to cope with. Nearly HOME. Let’s all join together to help this amazing woman home safely. She is expected to reach Bristol, Rhode Island on April 21st. This woman is sailing this historic voyage in a time when most of us know adventure by turning on the TV. Let’s join in support of a woman who is a modern day EXPLORER and all around amazing woman!

    visit her site for the lastest on her adventure!
    http://www.DonnaLange.com

    FAIR WINDS my DEAR FRIEND… love and hugs, Light

    http://www.stillcrazysailing.com

  • http://www.StillCrazySailing.com Light Barrett

    As I write this Donna Lange is in the middle of a Gale Force Storm. It is 1:50am on the East Coast of the United States. Donna is battling the storm which is predicted to be the most powerful storm she has gone through, and by the way, she has been in Gales and Squalls in her over 31,000 miles sailed already over the last almost two years. So as this is being written, I am praying for her safety and her strength to continue. Donna is a Sailor’s Sailor… She is fit for this. She is ready for this battle. She is a skilled navigator and IS sailing this storm as she knows full well how to do!!! I envision her finishing this storm and arriving in Bristol, Rhode Island in a few more days, safe and sound with ONE more HUGE tale of her and Mother Ocean’s dancing together! I see her smile as she ties her incredible Inspired Insanity to the dock as her family and friends gather around her. It is so!!!
    All my love and light and prayers, Dear Donna…
    light

  • http://www.StillCrazySailing.com Light Barrett

    As I write this Donna Lange is in the middle of a Gale Force Storm. It is 1:50am on the East Coast of the United States. Donna is battling the storm which is predicted to be the most powerful storm she has gone through, and by the way, she has been in Gales and Squalls in her over 31,000 miles sailed already over the last almost two years. So as this is being written, I am praying for her safety and her strength to continue. Donna is a Sailor’s Sailor… She is fit for this. She is ready for this battle. She is a skilled navigator and IS sailing this storm as she knows full well how to do!!! I envision her finishing this storm and arriving in Bristol, Rhode Island in a few more days, safe and sound with ONE more HUGE tale of her and Mother Ocean’s dancing together! I see her smile as she ties her incredible Inspired Insanity to the dock as her family and friends gather around her. It is so!!!
    All my love and light and prayers, Dear Donna…
    light

  • john z.

    Rich,
    Your posts on this have been great. Thanks so much. I’m not sure how many people read this post (because it is linked on her site) but I’m sure many of them miss all your other entries. They are missing alot. Make sure everyone reads all the Donna Lange post here and over that Google Earth community site you have in the sidebar! The are great; I felt I got to know Donna!

    Thanks again,
    John

  • john z.

    Rich,
    Your posts on this have been great. Thanks so much. I’m not sure how many people read this post (because it is linked on her site) but I’m sure many of them miss all your other entries. They are missing alot. Make sure everyone reads all the Donna Lange post here and over that Google Earth community site you have in the sidebar! The are great; I felt I got to know Donna!

    Thanks again,
    John

  • http://www.myarchive.us RichC

    John–
    Thank you for the kind words. Perhaps I’ll add a link to all the posts … but you can find them all using the search box or this link:
    http://blog.myarchive.us/index.php?s=donna+lange
    Rich

  • http://www.myarchive.us RichC

    John–
    Thank you for the kind words. Perhaps I’ll add a link to all the posts … but you can find them all using the search box or this link:
    http://blog.myarchive.us/index.php?s=donna+lange
    Rich

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.