I’ve been getting one question more than any other lately:
“How’s Tom Doing?”
Tom Robinson’s row across the Pacific was abruptly ended by a rogue wave on a relatively calm day, causing a capsize that went from easily recoverable to adventure-ending in a few short moments as a “wtf is that?” rescue vessel came steaming over the horizon.
Aside from the flurry of frantic “breaking news” media coverage following the rescue, Tom has been fairly quiet since this event, only making one post about his boat left afloat and drifting in the ocean.
It seems natural to me that a person would need some time away from the spotlight after everything that Tom has been through. When I say that, I mean from the age of 14to now, ten years later. It has been one single focus for Tom all this time, since he looked in the mirror ten years ago and said to himself: “Tom, you’re going to row across the Pacific Ocean.”
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Phil Chase says:
Tom’s story is a terrific story and it is enhanced by his reaction to his accident. For those who might think he failed, I quote from the Frozen song my grandchildren sing: Let It Go. I understand meeting goals to be part of adventure, and maybe most people are disappointed by not meeting goals, but to me the greatest pleasure of sailing and rowing and long periods of time by myself is the process, not getting from A to Z. Sure setting a goal might get you started, but then things happen and you react, you think, you contact new contingencies, you react again, and then the goals shift and shift again. Tom’s story is a record of such a process and I have loved every minute of it. Thanks for bringing it to my attention on OCH. All my best to Tom to continue the story.
Joseph Wl Haley III says:
I would like to thank you, Steve, and all the cast that supported your ‘Quest, for bringing a taste of it to us.. I too had a sailing adventure in my teens in the Caribbean. I am now 83 and it is still part of my memory. This adventure of yours. will be part of you for you life. So, enjoy the afterglow, remembering that it was you that did what you did, and that it was unique to yourself.
Richard Crockett says:
It was the Tom Robinson story that won a subscription from me for Off Center Harbor. I was content with the free offerings until then.
Tom, if he reads this, might be interested to know that the answer to his question as to why others do so wish to hear from him is that he represents our own hopes and dreams. I wish I had done something like that while young. He did it. Well done indeed.
Keiron Lynch says:
I, too, have been forever changed by Tom and his incredible adventure. I am truly in awe of this young man’s courage, stamina, and humbleness. I lived vicariously through Tom and found myself often including him in my prayers. Indeed Tom owes us nothing, but if he chooses to write about his feat, I will be in line to buy his book.
Anna Mallin says:
Yes, Tom – we DO care very much. You embody our dreams. And you set an example in the way you have made your dreams work out. We have been with you for every pull on the oars and wishing we were seeing and doing what you have been doing. We have read your words and watched your videos into our imaginations.
We hope to be along with you in your future adventures, whatever they might be. And wholeheartedly wish you well – and hope that we may share them with you in whatever way you choose to communicate.
John Gilmartin says:
Evening Steve,
I love the freedom of Off Center Harbor, Tom’s story is the heart of freedom. I respect your skepticism about the cruiseship ‘rescue.’ They could have sent a dinghy with a pump, rations, and a couple guys to help right the boat. Tom wasn’t injured, I expect he would have said, ‘thanks mates’ and rowed on.
Dear Tom, you are a fine young man, a story maker and story teller. Pray, recover, plan, keep going. We love you, John Gilmartin
Steve Kelleher says:
That Tom is surprised by other people’s interest in how he’s doing is because there aren’t many genuinely good exemplars in this world people can aspire too. And aspiring to something is human nature. Thoreau penned, “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation”, so many are drawn to those like Tom who followed their dreams, perhaps in a hope it might inspire them too. Hence the interest in how he is doing now.
That said, Tom you don’t owe all of humanity anything. Be careful lest it sucks the soul out of you. I recommend you go back to Penrhyn for a while, stay away from the machine that may want to profit from your experiences, and write whatever you choose, if at all.
Best to you and glad you are safe. I hope one day Maiwar finds you again. And thanks to Steve and the OCH team for bringing this story to us.
Heidi Roy says:
Hello there, Tom. I can imagine how you must feel about MAIWAR out there alone just waiting to be found again…you miss her and cant keep thinking of her. I am a motorcyclist and feel the same way about my ride. When it was time to trade her in it was very hard to let go. It may take a long time but you will have her back.
Andy Bullock says:
HI Tom, I’m not sure what your ETA on the Qld coast was, but you wouldn’t want to be out on the Coral Sea at the present time, sharing the waters with severe tropical cyclone Jasper.
Alex Zimmerman says:
I was much older when I started on my own series of solo boating adventures, although none so long, so remote from other people and possible help as Tom’s journey. It took several trips for me to feel comfortable being on my own and totally reliant on my own resources, so, since the beginning, I have been amazed and impressed with Tom’s maturity and equanimity, out of all proportion to his age. It has been a privilege to journey alongside him in spirit as he discovered the world, the open ocean, himself, and found community on Penhryn during his voyage.
Thank you, Tom.
Walter Curran says:
Following Tom’s voyage has been a refreshing reminder of what it was like to be young, energetic and full of spirit. Seeing the video of him on Penrhyn Island is a testament to the idea that simplicity and earnest endeavor is, in itself, a reward. Not everything needs to be complicated. As for whether this was a success or failure, that is easy. It as a resounding success. God bless this wonderful young man!
Paul Silverman says:
Tom clearly is a lovely and graceful person. Whether he did or did not complete his intended voyage is much less significant than his amazing preparation, work, dedication, and attitude which has inspired so many of us who set small goals attempt mundane projects. Regardless of circumstances, his future is a bright one.
Harvey Kerstein says:
I, like many others, have been glued to your adventure. Your life is so exciting and I am certain it will continue to be so inspiring, to so many of us. The videos reflect an amazing person so well. Please continue to use that media, as well whatever way, to express your feelings and experiences , so we all can continue to enjoy your life. I am happy you are safe and hope you can enjoy knowing what a gift you are to so many.
Eric Warner says:
I almost never write comments, but Tom’s grand adventure and his propitious (although it sounds like redundant) rescue touched me enough that I felt I needed to write a quick comment here. I have no doubt, based on what I’ve read and watched of Tom’s journey, that he would have been able to swim around the other side of his boat and climb back in and keep rowing (greatly oversimplified rendition I’m sure). Tom’s gracious acceptance of help and consideration of the captain of the ship and his passenger’s diverted plans speaks volumes of Tom’s character.
My first thought when I heard about his rescue was similar it sounds to yours in that I was concerned about Tom’s state of mind. I’m hoping that he knew that it’s all about the journey so much more than the destination. Not everyone will understand the compulsion to row across the Pacific (while I do, my wife certainly doesn’t…), but I would venture that most of us understand having a big dream. Not many will be able to achieve the full dream, however if we realize that the big dream is comprised of a series of smaller dreams that add up to far more than the original “big dream” and Tom’s adventure from building the boat, to travelling to Peru, to landing on Penrhyn Island and beyond, he has experienced so much more. The fact that we get to enjoy it vicariously through the posts and videos just makes it so much more amazing.
Thanks for sharing your grand day out with us all!
Eric Warner, Oceanside California
David and Margaret Tew says:
Best of luck with your book, Tom ! It will be an adventure in itself as you write it. And Steve, sign me up for ‘a first edition’ (as I expect there will be many ! ) when OCH gets its hands on a cargo of them. It will be an inspirational story for every OCH member to purchase for themselves and young descendants. Thank goodness Tom, that you have the videos to review. I imagine losing your logbook ( did you ?) is very sad.
Walter Allan says:
Steve (& Tom)
The Penrhyn video and the post about your conversation with Tom are wonderful. The amatuer (and armchair) sailor in me has savored this adventure and especially Tom’s time on Penrhyn. This is what I would hope it would have been like to have been shipwrecked on a polynesian island. What greater sailing fantasy could one have? Thanks to you both.
HAL FALES says:
Tom
Your journey was and is inspiring and fascinating and I am honored to have a glimpse of it. That said, How it has landed in you, is landing in you and will land in you is of prime importance to you and how it lands for the rest of us may be important for us but you owe us nothing. While I will certainly enjoy any glimpses I get into how it is landing in you, I am not entitled to those glimpses. I suspect you know this but wanted to make sure it was said
Patrick Filardi says:
As an old guy I would like to remind Tom., who may not see it this way right now, that it is not a rationalization that the adventure is in the journey and not in the destination, To follow his story gave me renewed faith in the youth of today.
Doug Day says:
Just shooting from the hip, Steve, I’ll underline how important Tom’s voyage has been for me, following from Maine, working on my own boats, working on my music festival for boats in Maine… my normal life has been enriched by following Tom’s Big Adventure. None of us will ever be the same! Even vicariously, Tom’s trip has been Life-Changing for us! Most important has been witnessingTom-being-Tom. The words from Vanuatu a year ago were extremely welcome and encouraging! I share with you, Steve, the belief that Tom’s story will only go On from Here and will continue to be a source of inspiration. Doug Day, Swan’s Island, Maine, director, Sweet Chariot Music Festival
Doug Bullock says:
Hi Steve
Thanks for bringing Tom’s adventure to OCH, much like Leo’s adventure, I would not have known about either of these amazing young men without you guys bringing them to my attention. In this troubled world we live in today it is so inspiring to see the spirit of adventure, hard work and enjoyment of the simple things in life showcased.
Thanks again, Doug Bullock, Niagara-on-the- Lake, Canada.
Joel Schwalb says:
Tom’s great adventure was an inspiration to so many of us. The generosity of the people that he encountered on this journey and Tom’s response was a testament to his character. I’m looking forward to his book and further adventures.