Tanasza Polska

The boat which Natasza is sailing is Sparkman & Stephens 34. It’s name is Tanasza Polska. The yacht has a robust hull and a long keel which makes it safe and easy to use. It has been equipped with a wind generator, some solar panels the energy of which will be used to supply electricity to navigation and radio devices on board, Active Echo – ensuring that Tanasza Polska will appear as a huge vessel on the radars of all ships passing by, some radiobuoys that will help send information to a rescue team in case of emergency, a life raft, a satellite radio and last but not least a computer.  

A day on board

 “You cannot predict everything. Definitely, my day is going to look a bit different in the beginning than after I have reached my first stopover. I’ll need to learn everything about that boat, how it behaves. Actually, I’ve already sailed it once, but now it has new sails and new rigging, so the yacht is practically new.

Besides I’ll have to cook something, I’ll need to use the Internet to send some info to people that will be checking on how things are with me. I guess I’ll also find some time to read books, gaze at dolphins, watch sunrises and sunsets.

During the voyage I’ll be sleeping but every 20 minutes I’ll need to stop to have a look around. I’ve had a system installed that reads off the radars and as soon as it discovers any vessel in the immediate vicinity it activates an alarm. I’m used to it as I’ve already done it a number of times so far. I’ve got a whole lot of alarm clocks with me because sometimes when you’re really exhausted it’s so difficult to get up. And on another occasion you wake up by yourself…” Natasza remarks.

“I’ve planned everything in such a way as to have time to do some sightseeing, but the first stopover will be quite short because I’d like to pass the Torres Strait as quickly as possible. Generally speaking, I’ll try to keep on course.”

The longest period of time which Natasza is going to spend on board completely on her own will last approximately 70 days. This will be the last section of the route, the return stretch to Hawaii.

 A major challenge

 “For the time being, I believe it is the Torres Strait. I must manage to pass it by the end of September. Although not especially long, it is a difficult stretch in terms of navigation. I can expect significant shallowness there. The water is only 8 to 10 metres deep. Another hard stretch will appear after I have passed the strait and entered the Red Sea – various different incidents take place there. I reckon these two thing are the biggest challenge for me.

Besides, I think the first stopover will be very important for me. I guess when I’m already there, I’ll believe in myself more and I will have the feeling of achieving ‘something’.”

Helping others

 “A small yacht sailing on the ocean will command respect and arouse interest. And it is by attracting the society’s attention that I will be able to speak about essential matters,” - Natasza writes on her website. The young yachtswoman has made contact with a foundation for children with cancer, “Spelnij Marzenie” [Make a Wish Come True].

During her voyage Natasza would like to have some ill children brought to places where she is going to have her stopovers, whose dream it is to see the ocean or a palm tree. She is currently seeking sponsors who could help her fulfil the children’s dreams.

In addition, by means of her conduct she wants to show everybody that persistence together with a strong desire is a key to realizing your dreams. “I would like to spread this message to people, particularly young people, that challenges, be they great or small, might be our lifetime inspiration for fulfilling our dreams.”

 Epilogue

 “Wish me not too much and not too little wind, so the yacht may withstand and I may safely reach any port on my way. In short, may everything go well!”