To the editor:

Now that Donna Lange has returned safely from her second solo sail around the world in a boat only 28 feet long, some things that made it possible can be revealed and appreciated — particularly why she planned, prepared, left from and returned to Bristol:

1) Bristol contains a unique cross-section of marine skills and assets critical to all sailors and boaters.

2) Bristol citizens as a group are blessed with an unusual spirit of cooperative 'volunteerism' developed by the 231 years that the town has sponsored July 4th celebrations. Donna was constantly encouraged by the attitudes and helpfulness of its citizens from all levels.

3) Bristol has sailing experts who understand what is important (or irrelevant) to that activity. Foremost among those in Donna's case was Halsey Herreshoff. His support and encouragement were critical to her confidence in this undertaking.

After both of her circumnavigations he placed his museum's facilities at her disposal for celebrations; he taught her navigational skills, he even built a sailor's fishing reel that enabled Donna to fish while sailing. And to the delight of Donna's large family with its many grandchildren on up to senior parents, Mr. Herreshoff took them out on his sailing yacht to welcome her home.

Bristol — its newspapers, industry and people — combine to be a town like no other. Donna and her team know this. They want the town's citizens to know how much it is appreciated.
Writing for Donna is her team:

Bob Philburn, Tim Murphy, Bonnie Blue, Will Barbeau and many others.