Ullman proud of round-world feat of two cruising sailors

by Ullman Sails/Sail-World Cruising. on 19 Dec 2010 Ullman Sails, whose Voyager Hydra Net Radial cruising inventory Michael Lawler and Barbara Burdick chose for a three year round-the-world sailing trip, were pleased to welcome the couple back on their return to Southern California. Their yacht Traveler, which bore them safely and securely through many adventures, is a North Wind 47.

Michael Lawler had been dreaming of sailing away into the sunset ever since he was a student, but it took almost 40 years, a marriage lived then ended, a career in the law and three children before he and his partner Barbara finally set off for their adventure.

After sailing the world - two canals, six continents, 61 countries, 31,145 nautical miles and three years - they sailed home again to a riotous welcome in their home port of Newport.

They had many many adventures on the way, everything from pirate scares (and they met the Chandlers before they were kidnapped) to Komodo dragons; from the hedonism of the blissful Turkish coastline to the heroism of rescuing some fishermen near the remote Pacific Island of Nuie.

For those who are anywhere near, Michael will share his story at Newport Harbor Nautical Museum in the Balboa Island Fun Zone. He will speak at 7 p.m. on Jan. 13, Jan. 27 and Feb. 10. For information: 949-675-8915.

Here enjoy some of their best pictures - for more, and the full story of their journey, visit their http://www.voyageoftraveler.com!website.