Who’s that crew? (World ARC Leg 1)
As you probably know by now, the Core Crew of Pure Joy consists of David, Joy and Elliot (8) Poole. However, we feel so fortunate to be able to bring some incredible friends aboard for different legs of this adventure. Let me introduce you to the unstoppable crew for Leg One of the World ARC!
Marissa Mann
Marissa has her Yachtmaster qualification and is a Sailing Instructor for Outward Bound. We originally met Marissa when she agreed to cross the Atlantic with us and were thrilled to learn that she’d join us from St. Lucia to The Marquesas on this trip!
What inspired you to join this adventure?
I've always loved the ocean and when I found sailing seven years ago, I started dreaming about crossing oceans and sailing around the world. It was always something I was a bit shy about, because who the heck am I to dream such crazy dreams! After building my sailing experience over the years, I was thrilled for the initial invite to join Pure Joy across the Atlantic. Rejoining the boat for the first 3 months of the circumnavigation is a dream, doubled. We get to cross another ocean together, and I get to live out another dream for my little nerdy, scientific heart - reading Darwin in the Galapagos! I simply can't wait for all the new horizons we'll explore together (:
What’s your go-to talent for entertaining the crew on those longer, less-eventful stretches?
I've been given the title "The Snack Queen" so I suppose my talent is showing up with a snack at a moments notice (usually with enough snacks to spare for others too!). I can always be counted on for a spare pocket biscuit or a secret midnight biscuit (thanks Elliot for ruining the secret!). Additionally, I love to break out a long-winded story, a spontaneous dance party, friendship bracelets, or silly games which may or may not involve tape...
If you were stranded on an island, what’s the one (non-life sustaining) item from the boat that you’d want to have with you?
I actually tried not to pack anything too valuable given I'm likely to destroy it one way or another. I'm torn here between my remaining jars of special bread spread or... my kindle (+ an internet connection)
Zena Birch
We met Zena about 12 years ago when we hired her to be the celebrant at our wedding! Our friendship grew from there and when we were thinking of people whom we might want to join us (and also might be game to drop everything and join us!) on the high seas, Zena was at the top of the list. Ever since we mentioned the idea, Zena has been diligently training and studying all aspects of sailing. She’s more than Competent Crew now and has plenty of time to further build up her sailing prowess as she’s planning on joining us for the majority of the circumnavigation.
What inspired you to join this adventure?
Firstly, you both and Elliot. When you floated the idea of me joining you there wasn’t even a nano seconds hesitation to say anything but yes. It was and probably will be one of the greatest invites of my life. Add to that my childhood obsession with maps and tracing the outline of great journeys around the world and I couldn’t find one decent reason to say no to this adventure and discovering the world with you.
What’s your go-to talent for entertaining the crew on those longer, less-eventful stretches?
As a celebrant in my back home life…creating some fun rituals for us all to enjoy? Howling at the Wolf Moon? Reminding us all to be present in whatever crazy magic is unfolding every day? Belting out a power ballad with Joy when the mood demands it? Making up crazy imagination games and word play with Elliot (and hearing his insanely infectious giggle!)
If you were stranded on an island, what’s the one (non-life sustaining) item from the boat that you’d want to have with you?
It’s so terribly British to say my teabags isn’t it? So perhaps it’s the deck of cards…or my Kindle - if I can also take my solar panel charger?!! Or David’s guitar!!
I can’t give one answer!!!!! :-)
Jeff (Uncle Foo) Fouse
We were lucky that my Uncle Foo (you can call him that too!) managed to squeeze the trip from St. Lucia to Panama into his busy travel schedule. What he lacks in sailing skills he makes up for in Supershakes, endless glasses of sparkling water, Plank Challenges, PB&J’s and a willingness to pull whatever line he’s told to pull!
What inspired you to join this adventure?
You only had to ask.
What’s your go-to talent for entertaining the crew on those longer, less-eventful stretches?
Supershakes.
If you were stranded on an island, what’s the one (non-life sustaining) item from the boat that you’d want to have with you?
Soda stream bubbly water maker.
Martin Matthews
An experienced sailor, we were thrilled that Martin wanted to join us again on Pure Joy after the Atlantic crossing in 2023. In addition to his depth of sailing wisdom, Martin is Mr. Fix-it, an excellent cook and always up for a game or a laugh. We’ll be soaking up all that goodness from St. Lucia to The Marquesas!
What inspired you to join this adventure?
Back in 2015 when I started planning my first ARC, I dreamt of continuing to do the World ARC. After ARC 2017 I decided that a catamaran was the way to go.ever since then it has been a goal of mine. I was inspired by both you and David.
What’s your go-to talent for entertaining the crew on those longer, less-eventful stretches?
Playing card games - any games infact!
If you were stranded on an island, what’s the one (non-life sustaining) item from the boat that you’d want to have with you?
If I’m allowed at tool bag I would take that but a last munite grab would be my sailing pocket knife. (Unsurprising answer from Mr. Fix-it!)
Next up: Colombia and The Panama Canal. With our first sail of the ARC completed, we are excited to be exploring Santa Marta, The San Blas Islands and the Panama Canal next!