By Leticia Gonzales

MANKATO — After spending 60 days at sea, traveling 7,000 to 7,500 nautical miles, Curt Fisher is enjoying some time back on land.

Fisher, a real-estate developer in Mankato, returned from his oceanic voyage, which included 29 days crossing the Atlantic Ocean, at the end of June. He left Minnesota at the end of March and headed to South Africa with longtime friend Bruce Paradis to pick up his 40-foot catamaran, which was crafted in Cape Town, South Africa.

Their departure from South Africa was delayed by six weeks because the boat was not yet complete when they arrived.

“Rather than return to the U.S., we decided to experience South Africa,” said Fisher. “We rented Harley Davidson motorcycles and climbed the mountains and toured the vineyards. We enjoyed the ruggedness and beauty of the Cape of Good Hope.”

Fisher said the two traveled on a vintage train along the eastern coast of South Africa and were able to experience South African culture, including their many animals such as elephants, giraffes, rhinos, ostriches, hippos and cape buffalo.

Once Fisher and Paradis were out at sea, most everything went as planned, but with a few alterations.

Their initial route included crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Cape Town to Brazil. Then they were to follow the waters above South America toward the islands of Trinidad and Tobago and toward the Caribbean Sea. After sailing past Central America, their trip was to end in Belize.

The delay in South Africa put the crew behind schedule, so the group stopped their journey in Colombia.

Paradis also had to leave the voyage at the end of May once the crew reach Fortaleza, Brazil, so he could fly home for his son’s graduation ceremony. Fisher’s son, Derek, came on board to take Paradis’ place. At their next stop in Trinidad, Fisher’s other son, Dain, also joined them.

Their wives flew in to Santa Martha, Colombia, and completed the sail on the catamaran to Cartagena, Colombia.

“We left the boat in Colombia, as the late departure would have caused us to sail to Belize at the beginning of the hurricane season, which does not happen at Cartagena,” said Fisher.

Having the right supplies was also crucial for the long oceanic journey. Fisher said the supplies on board were sufficient for their journey. Paradis planned ahead when it came to how much food to bring on board. Throughout their voyage they figured out that cabbage, carrots, onions and potatoes stayed fresh longer than other produce.

“The boat has a water maker, so there was no shortage of water,” Fisher said. “Bruce caught a large wahoo (fish) early in the trip, which added to our food supply.”

Before the voyage, Fisher had hoped to communicate with friends and family through e-mail, and at worst, a satellite phone, but the equipment failed. Fisher was able to track most of the voyage through an online blog called “Punta Azul Voyage.”

There were also a few other unexpected road blocks Fisher said they came across along the way.

“I found the days when there was no wind very difficult, as I felt like we were walking from South Africa across the Atlantic to Brazil,” Fisher said. “It may have (been) more windy and rough at Lake Washington. To feel some relief from the heat and lack of satisfying progress, I would jump off the bow and climb up the stern.”

Since the crew traveled 24 hours a day, Fisher said he found it challenging to stay awake during the night shifts.

Being in such a small vessel compared to other ships at sea, they had to be on the lookout for large freighters.

“Even though a sailboat has the right of way over a powered vessel, they didn’t seem to see our boat,” said Fisher. “Several times when it was clear that we would collide, it wasn’t until we could get them to respond on the radio would they alter their course.”

While passing through Venezuela, Fisher said they were followed by a ship for several hours, and it eventually came along side his catamaran.

“It was a warship, and they put us through a series of questions,” he said. “I didn’t want my sons and me to be held up in Venezuela.”

On his blog, Fisher described the incident and how Dain videotaped the men from the mysterious vessel putting on black jackets in preparation to board a small boat.

“After many questions and explaining who we are and what our purpose is and destination, they were satisfied and left,” said Fisher. “This followed several aerial jets and sonic booms earlier.”

Bouts of lightening and flying fish also made their voyage that much more exciting.

“There wasn’t too many things to see in the middle of the Atlantic until we passed St. Helena, an island where Napoleon was exiled,” Fisher said. “Most often there was 360 degrees of water.”

Since most of the trip was ocean, Fisher said he had a lot of down time.

“I adapted to both and enjoyed the time while sailing on watch at night listening to the rushing water and watching the magnificent stars. (It was a) very special time to reflect on my home, family and friends,” he said. “After seeing the hardships endured as a normal way of life in other countries, it gave me an appreciation for our country and Mankato.”

Fisher will complete his journey in late October, which will include sailing his catamaran from Colombia, then to Panama. It will take about two to three weeks to reach the boat’s final resting place in Belize.

Fisher said his experiences from his oceanic adventure gave him a new appreciation for life and those around him.

“Prior to leaving, life was a blur of activity and a continuation of multi-tasking capacity,” he said. “I hope to keep memories and reflections of this trip with me for the rest of my life.”