Taking A Gamble

Taking A Gamble

Justin Edelman’s Risky Pursuit of Big Dreams.

There is something magical that happens when you partner with someone in pursuit of a mutual passion.

The collaborated energies create an unstoppable force. Dreams come true in spite of challenges. So it was for my colleague, Justin Edelman, and his comrades in a recent sailboat race across the Pacific.

Since the day I met Justin, he dreamed of becoming a media photo journalist reporting from aboard sailboats competing in races. The dream reflects his two great passions: sailing and filming. His dream is to introduce the world of sailing to the masses and inspire people to go sailing.

I met Justin 2 1/2 years ago after he applied to the Volvo Ocean Race for a media reporting opportunity. He had already been preparing for months in advance. I interrupted his goal with an offer he couldn't resist, a once-in-a-lifetime chance to film some adventure travels and wildlife around the world. It was a hard choice for him to make because it meant putting aside his life long dream. However, he convinced himself and me that there would be another race opportunity in the future. He opted for filming Shebbie's Live Life Series. I didn't feel guilty, knowing he would still pursue his other passion, cinematography.

As soon as our web series was completed - with Justin’s truly stunning footage no less - he hustled to try and enter an upcoming sailboat race in Southern California: The 2019 Transpac. 90 sailboats would compete in a grueling race across the pacific from the southern coast of California all the way to Hawaii. Celebrating its 50th year, the race was something special and, Justin wanted to be a part of.

The race was only weeks away. His chances of making a boat were slim. Justin quickly made a short promotional video to put out on social media, asking if anyone was interested in taking him on their boat as a media reporter. Time was running out as the race loomed closer and Justin still hadn’t found a boat. He was beginning to lose hope…

Then he got a call from Jason Seibert, a skipper competing in the race. The interview went well. It helped that Justin had spent prior months training in sailboat races at the local San Diego Yacht Club. That fact that he had grown up on a boat may have helped his chances too. As fate would have it, he was invited on Jason's Schock 40ft sailboat as part of a crew and media reporter. Needless to say, Justin was on board grinning from ear to ear.

I had a chance to meet the skipper and was allowed to check out the sailboat. I must admit, I was shocked by its small size compared to the other boats they were competing against. Justin dubbed it the "David and Goliath Race." The only comfort I got from that statement was knowing David conquered Goliath. It didn't make me feel much better, though.

“Justin dubbed it the "David and Goliath Race."

The only comfort I got from that statement was knowing David conquered Goliath.”

I stepped down into the living quarters and didn't see any bunks, "Where are you guys going to sleep?" I asked. "Anywhere we can." He replied. "It's all good. We take two-hour shifts with two people sailing while two people are on watch and the other two are sleeping." Sounding like a teenager thrilled to be embarking on his first big adventure, I caught myself worrying about this whole idea. But I quickly reminded myself: it wasn't long ago, I was acting the same way. We had experienced many challenging adventures around the world, including summiting 19,381 ft. Kilimanjaro. It was my dream, and Justin had supported me 100%.

Their sailboat known as Gamble was the underdog and had some controversies surrounding its structure. The crew had been warned not to do the race. "It was too dangerous," some said. Yet their boat passed all the requirements and qualified for the race.

So Justin packed up his gear and joined the crew onboard this little David of a boat named Gamble and began his media photojournalist reporting adventure.

I was thrilled to follow along as Justin reported from their small vessel. Postings on Facebook - Team Epic Racing page kept us, his audience, entertained daily. Videos with drone shots of a tiny boat with the wind in its sail making its way across the vast blue ocean were stunning to watch.

We learned about the daily life of a sailor at sea, and had a digital tour of the boat and all its technology. Many photos of the guys bonding. And talks about a possible Epic Calendar of shirtless sailors on Gamble had us roaring.

The stories weren't all fun and games. Justin had us, on the edge of our seats as we read the horrifying news about the boat turning on its side in the middle of the night. Quick thinking from experienced sailors saved the day. Or, when their watermaker broke, and water had to be rationed. The audience quickly engaged and posted ways to fix it.

As the week went by, the crew's spirits began to wane, Gamble had fallen way behind the rest of the pack by two days. But the audience cheered them on with posts like, "The end is near…but not in a frightening way, I saw my life flash before my eyes kinda end. Stay strong, you've got a lot of love surrounding the boat and the team during this trip".

Gamble navigated its way across the vast Pacific to complete 2394 miles, from California to Hawaii, in 12 days. Though they finished in last place, their many friends on Facebook crowned them winners for finishing in spite of the odds against them. Gamble also won our hearts by allowing us to bond with them on their journey. A feat only made possible through their media reporter, Justin Edelman.

I'm very proud of my colleague and friend, Justin, for partnering with the crew of Gamble to become an unstoppable force, even in spite of difficult odds. Their mutual passion for sailing helped them to realize their dream and when they crossed the finish line in Hawaii on that twelfth day: it was magical.

For Justin, his dream doesn't stop there. Filming and reporting from the sailboat - helping to share their adventure with the masses- was the icing on the cake. He shared it, and we loved it. I'm sure there are now some inspired souls wanting to go sailing, maybe even racing someday.

Justin is a true Live Life Leader setting an example for others wishing to pursue their dreams. May his story inspire you to start Living Life too.