Still Struggling on Robinson Crusoe

The dramatic tale of how Rhian Salmon and Andy Whittaker survived the  February 27 tsunami at Robinson Crusoe Islands aboard their 37-ft sloop Zephyrus is featured in the current edition of Latitude 38. The young British couple thanked us for our interest in their life-changing experience, and wanted us to let readers know that the local school there, which was completely destroyed, is still in urgent need of support.

At this website, says Rhian, readers can learn more about the devastating effects of the massive wave, and learn about the school rebuilding project. "I’ve been in close contact with the organizers of this project and it’s impressive what they’ve managed," says Rhian, who works as a research scientist when not cruising. "But still the school is way behind where it should be."

"Donations are warmly welcome through the Gabriela Mistral Foundation in the U.S., affiliated with the Chilean Mission to the United Nations," explains coordinator Katty Kaufmann. "Please specify that the donation is for ‘RC SCHOOL’ in the comments section at this site."