My recent experience may be useful to other sailors. Sharing it may also help Surprise find the right new owner and allow my family and me to bring this chapter to a responsible close. I have spent my entire life in the maritime world. I have completed three circumnavigations, two of them solo, crossed the Atlantic [...]
Author: Heather Mahady Istvan Kopar set sail from Fort Lauderdale on July 4th, bound for France, aboard his Valiant 42, Surprise. On Saturday, July 4th at 10 AM, Istvan Kopar cast off from Fort Lauderdale (Florida, USA) aboard Surprise, bound for Les Sables d'Olonne, France. It's the first leg of a journey that [...]
A seemingly unattainable dream was put into words in my childhood: to sail around the globe solo. With only one stop. And in only one year. How could I even think of such a venture—being a citizen with limited means and of a country without sea borders? There was a [...]
Important Update from Istvan
Dear Sponsors, Supporters, Fans, Friends, and Followers,
It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce that, after successfully crossing the Atlantic, I was forced to bring my Anniversary Challenge to an end due to a lack of the financial resources needed to continue safely.
I know many of you will be disappointed by this news. I share that disappointment more deeply than I can express. I have devoted years of work, preparation, sacrifice, and resources far beyond our means to make this challenge possible.
But there comes a point when determination alone is not enough. Continuing an expedition of this magnitude requires the financial means to do it responsibly and safely. Without those resources, I could not justify putting safety—or my family’s security—at further risk.
This was an extremely difficult decision, but safety and family must come first.
I am deeply grateful to every sponsor, supporter, friend, fan, and follower who believed in this Anniversary Challenge, encouraged me, followed the journey, and helped me along the way. Your support has meant more to me than you may ever know.
Although this challenge has ended sooner than I had hoped, I remain proud of what we accomplished—including sailing from Seattle to Ft. Lauderdale and crossing the Atlantic—and profoundly thankful to everyone who was part of the journey.
Thank you for your support, your encouragement, and your kind understanding.
With gratitude,
Istvan
