By Brian Currier
Most of you are familiar with the Chasing Bubbles documentary on YouTube that chronicles the circumnavigation of Alex Rust. Like many young cruisers of today, Alex took the massive risk of leaving his lucrative job and the comforts of land to dive head first into this salty lifestyle. Unlike most, he knew nothing about sailing or the lifestyle when he first took off. In 2008, armed with his guidebook “Sailing for Dummies”, he set off on a course into the unknown. What followed was a four-year adventure that took Alex to the farthest corners of the globe, where he discovered that the beauty of humanity transcends wealth, language, and location. At the time, pre-retirement sailing was a rare thing to come across but what really sets this story apart from other sailing documentaries is Alex himself. He had an impact on the people he met all across the planet largely due to his positivity, openness, and the sense of adventure he carried with him. He invited anyone and everyone to join the trip, finishing the journey with 139 different crew members having spent time onboard.
After returning to dry land, Alex began compiling footage in search of a way to turn his circumnavigation into something even bigger. Tragically, while exploring ways to do so in India, Alex’s journey was cut short in May of 2013. The inspiring Chasing Bubbles documentary, released in 2016, tells the story of Alex’s adventure at sea and sheds light on his personal challenge to make an impact. Little did he know, his adventure to chase a dream had already inspired those he met along the way, and his story would continue to inspire people around the world to chase their own dreams.
Chasing Bubbles has helped to bring in a new wave of young cruisers across the planet, showing viewers that not only does this alternative lifestyle exist, but that life itself is a gift. Living it to the fullest is a great way of honoring each day. Nothing in life is guaranteed, not even life itself. Live in the now and share your moments with others that share in your passion!
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