In the tradition of Hell and High Water epic voyages and how I was fortunate enough to meet the spesielle (special) Dr. Stein Hoff.
In 2016 able seaman Stein Hoff rowed the same Atlantic route to honor his heroes, George Harbo and Frank Samuelsen, that did it in 1896.
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How many people do you know that can say, they have rowed a boat solo over 2,000 miles across an ocean and live to tell about it? The only one I know to accomplish that arduous feat is Dr. Stein Hoff. Other small craft daredevils sailed, not rowed. Like his Viking fathers before him the traditional challenge of the sea runs deep within. Just listen to any sea shanty and you’ll get a glimpse of the spirit of the sea.
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Aboard the rescue tanker ship Ludolf Oldendolff, heading for Canada, Stein might be leaning on his elbows gazing out at the immense Atlantic he traversed, thinking with mixed emotions and amazement of what he alone accomplished, as did his heroes Harbo and Samuelsen as they looked out on the ocean on their return to New York harbor aboard the old iron ship Island.
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I lit a prayer candle, a miracle candle, prior to Stein’s rescue, in Manhattan’s Norwegian Seamans Church, watching the small flame burn in the circular wrought iron candelabra and a bit tearful, I humbly asked for Dr. Stein Hoff to be safely rescued. Later that day, gleefully, he was.
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The dock
Staring at the candle’s flame it led me to reflect back, where I first met Stein. The Fox II was moored at the pier of La Marina, on the Hudson at Dyckman Street. There was a tanned, tall, lean man tending to a slick, crisp looking 24-foot fiber glass boat, bearing a Norwegian flag. A young school teacher assisting him introduced us as they were moving some gear from the craft onto land preparing for a little group lecture. I pitched in to help as Stein and I rolled the boats’ trailer to make room on the dock. While waiting for the audience, we set up video, started talking about the the Fox II and exchanged sea tales, having fun and a Corona. People arrived and Stein gave an informative presentation, with such ease, including a demonstration of the Sea Anchor. Following that, I help load equipment back on to the boat, personally carrying the cherished “toalett” (toilet) bucket. I knew I met a special person.
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The Church
The second time I met Stein was at the festive launch party held at the Norwegian Seamans Church. A most joyful crowd of family and friends. Music, including sea shanties were enjoyed by all. Individual stories were told with smiling faces beaming with joy. Relatives of Harbo and Samuelsen were there. Stein and his magnanimous wife Diana and daughter were the perfect hosts. Celebrating Dr. Stein Hoff’s launching tomorrow. In an evening of effervescence, I shook hands with Stein and Diana wishing him; trygg reise (safe voyage).
I was in a room filled with people who loved him.
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Aboard the send off launch boat
About a hundredwell wishers, family and friends boarded the vessel Clipper City at Battery Park. While on board we anticipated Stein’s arrival from North Cove Marina. We spotted him and celebrated by cheering, waving flags and blowing horns, as our large boat navigated in and around New York harbor. Stein was waiving back to all from the Fox II, with The Statue of Liberty, Governors Island and all four bridges in the background as we circumnavigated the horizon.
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To take on the challenge, against all odds, and in the spirit of his seafaring adventurer heroes, On Sunday, May 15th, Dr. Stein Hoff launched the Fox II into the Atlantic and row to Europe, powered by two arms.
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Show me a hero and I’ll write you a tragedy -F. Scott Fitzgerald
Spesielle (special)Stein dared the sea and through his determination fortunately survived- to eventually tell the story of his epic voyage that was documented daily by the Broadsheet. While recovering aboard the Ludolf Oldendolff, thoughts might be thrashing about, the same he alone physically experienced, only to endure the powerful turbulence and indifference of the sea.
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