By Lauryn Mackenzie

A British Columbia man is hoping to inspire youth around the world to seek adventure after returning from a nine-month solo sailing trip. Bert terHart, of Gabriola Island,  is just the eighth person to ever complete a non-stop circumnavigation trip of the five southern capes, using only celestial navigation. Several elementary schools from around the world followed his adventures on a website. terHart says he answered every comment and question that was sent to him when conditions at sea allowed him to use his satellite phone to relay messages to his wife, who ran the website.  terHart returned to Vancouver Island last week.  He says he hopes his journey has inspired children to pursue careers in ocean and atmospheric sciences and to always seek adventure.

terHart had planned to visit every school that followed his journey after getting back on land but those plans are on hold, due to COVID-19.

Check out terHart's adventure at  https://www.the5capes.com/#route