Yes, it's true, but there is an explanation.
Going into this endeavor it started out as a dream. I was aware of these really cool boats that travel wicked fast across oceans and had found one that I could afford, purchasing it shortly after moving away from home. In the beginning it served as some goal, some purpose to work towards, but I never understood the type and amount of effort it would take. I won't say it hasn't been done, but a campaign like this is in itself a full time job, which becomes quite the challenge when you also work a full time job, not to mention the financial aspect of competing in a race 3,000 miles from home. None of that, however, is the reason for this announcement. It's for me. During my summer with Zealot, I learned that I found myself getting more frustrated that not. I was expecting a twitchy more dinghy like performance out of a boat that was designed to be highly stable at 15-20kts, all while sailing on friends boats and having a more enjoyable experience. Besides that, with how specialty this platform is, she wasn't suitable for the type of racing I like to do in my area. That being said, there is nothing wrong with Zealot and I still think that these mini's are some of the coolest boats in existence. Yet for me, I would like to focus on building my life, my career, and focusing on the sailing that I enjoy most.
As for what this means now:
I will be keeping this website open, and holding onto the Zealot Ocean Racing title but turning it into more of an umbrella for all my sailing related experiences. Making it for me and sharing what I would like to share. Zealot herself is now for sale once I complete the few remaining projects I have started.
Cheers,
Austin
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