Frank and Karen have been married for over 25 years and have two adult kids (one graduated from college the other continuing). In 2002-3 they boat-schooled their kids and sailed the Caribbean on another catamaran called PatiCat (read the story here). Karen and Frank enjoyed the experience of sailing and visiting locations by sea so much, they made plans to do a circumnavigation when the kids went away for college.
In addition to being a father and husband, Frank is an avid outdoors-man who loves to hike, swim, backpack, sail, scuba dive, mountain bike, etc. Frank has long been interested in the future – and always had dreams of exploring space, and is an avid science-fiction fan. He spent years working at NASA hoping to further our ability to explore space. But, since manned exploration of other planets has not yet become practical, he’s decided to explore the Earth for now. Frank loves technology and has spent most of his career working with advanced Internet and computer graphics technologies. Since 2005, Frank has written the Google Earth Blog and explored many web-based mapping technologies. We intend to put those skills to good use on the circumnavigation. Frank is a licensed pilot with an instrument rating, so he has a good understanding of reading weather and understands the importance of good planning. Frank has been sailing since he was 15 and has about 55,000 nm of blue water experience.
Karen also enjoys the outdoors, but is more interested in the cultural experience of visiting other countries and meeting people. She worked in the computer industry and for a while at NASA. Which is how she and Frank met in Houston, Texas. In addition to being a wife, she has dedicated herself to raising the children and supporting Frank’s business ventures, and is also a science-fiction fan. She enjoyed our sailing adventures in the Caribbean – and is an able hand at sea. Karen also handles the cooking and provisioning for our travels. Karen has over 50,000 nm of blue water sailing.
i was looking through google and so suprisingly to see arthur and sandra form fawn harbor.They are my parents
Your parents were very nice! They showed us a photo and told us a bit about you.
You guys have been busy over the years. Frank, I think we might have met once. Karen, you still look great. Best wishes, Lance & Cindy.
Karen,
It was a great to meet you and your daughter at the KitchenAide Division of Whirlpool in Greenville, Ohio. We hope you both enjoyed the tour and had a nice time shopping at the store on Broadway. We hope this message finds you and yours in good health and spirits. Good luck in your quest.
C-ya’…Thomas D. “Tom” Riegle (Tour Guide)
P.S. My wife (Gail) said hello as well!
Dear Frank and Karen,
I must say I absolutely love your site! I am looking forward to reading all about your travels. My husband and I met while working on cruise ships and oh how I feel “dehydrated” on land. For Christmas, my husband bought me sailing lessons in SF Bay and I am thrilled to begin my new hobby. I am so fortunate to have traveled around the world at young age, though at the same time truly MISS the sights and all that goes with it. I have decided that the only way I can do it again and see even more is through sailing. Your site is amazing and I look forward to reading all about your travels. Thanks for being such an inspiration!
Malissa