September 10, 2016
Bradley and I constantly remind ourselves how fortunate we have been to be able to experience what many only dream of. We have spent much of the past 16 years cruising all over the world, first on our Oyster 56 sailboat and since 2010 on the current Shear Madness, our beloved 72-foot Nordhavn.
Shear Madness the sailboat (2000-2007)
Shear Madness the trawler (2010-2016)
It’s been an amazing journey. Retiring in our 40’s to tackle the challenges of expedition cruising has taught us so much – about the world we live in, the wonders of nature, and mostly about ourselves. Time after time we’ve have to employ our ingenuity, deal with things way out of our comfort zone, test our physical and emotional limits, and learn to rely on each other and to literally trust our lives to one another We’ve been rewarded with the most spectacular adventures we could ever imagine – from the Great Barrier Reef in Australia to the frozen Arctic in Labrador and Greenland and everything in between. And the people we’ve met along the way have been amazing. Sometimes it’s a memorable one-time encounter and sometimes it a new lifelong friend met at some point along the journey. It’s been an incredible adventure!
Beautiful warm waters
And the frozen Arctic
But it’s also an all-consuming one. Our lives for so many years have revolved around weather, maintenance projects, and trip planning, while also trying to maintain important relationships with friends and family from afar.
Our life revolves around weather – Hurricane Sandy presented challenges
Maintenance in engine room
As we both approach milestone birthdays next year, we’ve started to think about what we want the rest of our lives to be about. So many people wish they could have the adventures we’ve had and we often tell them, it’s all about planning. If this is what you want to do, you have to plan for it and make it happen. Similarly, we feel we have to plan for the rest of our lives and there are still so many things on our bucket lists that this seems a good time to take stock and evaluate a change.
Grandsons Tyler and Austin
Kathy and siblings
And so we have made the decision to list Shear Madness for sale. She has taken remarkable care of us over the past six years and has shown that she is capable of safely venturing anywhere in the world one could imagine cruising. She deserves to continue that journey. As for us, we have no intention of moving into assisted living. We have many more adventures we are considering, just not ones that involve living full time aboard a boat!
We will continue to keep you informed of our plans. In the meantime, Shear Madness is listed with Northrop and Johnson and you can see the listing on Yachtworld here or on the broker’s site here. Contact Michael Nethersole for more information.
Here are a few photos to remind us of our incredible adventures!
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- Experiencing different cultures
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- Incredible scenery
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- Incredible scenery
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- Spectacular wildlife
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- Spectacular wildlife
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- Spectacular wildlife
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- Spectacular wildlife
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- Great nights at anchor
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- Awesome sunsets
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- Awesome sunsets
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- Time for more maintenance!
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- Interior maintenance
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- Checking everything during hurricane Sandy
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- Shear Madness the sailboat
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- Shear Madness the sailboat
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- Shear Madness the sailboat
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- Shear Madness the trawler
Shear Madness 
#1 by DiveMasterMark on September 28, 2016 - 7:56 am
Best wishes to you both as you prepare the next chapters of your adventure.
Thank you for taking the time to maintain this blog — so many of us dreamers have lived vicariously through lens (no pun intended) of your travels.
Best Regards,
Mark
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#2 by Dave Whelan on September 16, 2016 - 5:35 pm
What a fun time I’ve had following your posts on all of your travels and adventures. Congratulations on your transition; what a wonderful life experience you’ve had. Whatever you decide to be the next chapter in your life, I hope it is filled with as much fun and excitement that you’ve had on you boat. I do hope you keep us posted on your adventures in your future.
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#3 by Anonymous on September 15, 2016 - 7:39 pm
We were thrilled and honored to be a part of that adventure. Endless thanks and best wishes for the future!
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#4 by Roger Philips on September 15, 2016 - 1:37 pm
I see a book in this, Kathy. Anyway, if you and Bradley are feeling landlocked next summer, sail with me on my 10th ASA flotilla. This one goes to Victoria BC through the San Juan Islands. https://asa.com/flotillas/pacific-north-west/2017-victoria-san-juan-islands-flotilla/
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#5 by Wendy Bent on September 14, 2016 - 6:04 am
Dear Bradley @ Kathy
Sorry to hear Shear Madness is for sale. You Two won’t be to NS again for any scallops by the sound of things. I wish you both the best in everything you do and great health. I have had many great moments reading about Shear Madness, I have saved them all and read them all the time.
George From NS
________________________________
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#6 by Jean Jones on September 13, 2016 - 9:13 pm
Terrific memories. Jean Jones
On Sun, Sep 11, 2016 at 11:18 AM, Shear Madness wrote:
> Kathy Clark posted: “September 10, 2016 Bradley and I constantly remind > ourselves how fortunate we have been to be able to experience what many > only dream of. We have spent much of the past 16 years cruising all over > the world, first on our Oyster 56 sailboat and since 201” >
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#7 by Julie on September 12, 2016 - 4:01 pm
Wow, VERY! Surprised when Andy voiced across the room at breakfast that you & Bradley had decided to list Shear Madness. I confess to feeling a little sad at the news, firstly at losing a fellow member of our Nordie family and also because we had been looking forward to hopefully cross paths with you one day on our very gradual circumnavigation. We wish you both every happiness and success with your next chapter, which we are sure will be equally fun and adventurous, your post’s have always been inspiring and amusing and we look forward to hearing what other wonderful things you have yet to do on your bucket list. Your quote “it’s been an incredible adventure! But it’s also an all consuming one” perfectly sums up the live aboard lifestyle and one that any travelling boater understands only too well!! 😄. Hope things go as smoothly as possible with the sale of your beloved Nordhavn. God bless!
Julie & Andy Nemier n62 infinity
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#8 by Lindi Mallison on September 12, 2016 - 1:17 pm
Congratulations on your life change, what ever it turns out to be! Let us know if your plans bring you to the Reston Town Center or Key Largo… Would be great to see you!
We still have fantastic memories of your Shear Madness Kennedy Center wedding!
Linda & David
Sent from my iPad
>
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#9 by Bruce Schwanda on September 12, 2016 - 10:13 am
Bradley/Katherine:
What a nice description of your years cruising! I’m selfishly sad that this is the direction you are going as I would have liked to cruise with you again. Anne and I thoroughly enjoyed the cruising we did with you and thank you for including us. While it is hard to imagine that your next endeavors will be as exciting, I am sure that they will be interesting.
Anne and I leave for Italy on 24 Sep, board the Eurodam on 27 Sep, cruise the Greek Isles, then return to US on 10 Oct.
We look forward to seeing you whenever you are down our way!
B/R,
Bruce
_____
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#10 by Fitzsimmons, Tracy on September 12, 2016 - 9:08 am
Kathy, The end of a spectacular era for you and Bradley! Thank you for sharing your journey and photos with all of us. Ever since the kids got to visit Shear Madness with you, they have been following your blog as well. I am so grateful that you gave them that peak into your life. I can’t wait to hear about the new adventures you have ahead! All the best, Tracy
Tracy Fitzsimmons, Ph.D. President Shenandoah University 1460 University Drive Winchester, VA 22601 540-665-4841
On Sun, Sep 11, 2016 at 11:18 AM, Shear Madness wrote:
> Kathy Clark posted: “September 10, 2016 Bradley and I constantly remind > ourselves how fortunate we have been to be able to experience what many > only dream of. We have spent much of the past 16 years cruising all over > the world, first on our Oyster 56 sailboat and since 201” >
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#11 by dancinmem@comcast.net on September 12, 2016 - 7:51 am
Trust you will succeed! It just takes one! (I received numerous offers on my little red Mercedes, now I am “carless.” Hahaha ) Maggie
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#12 by José Ramón A-VAlledor on September 12, 2016 - 6:06 am
BUENOS DÍAS DESDE ESPAÑA. Soy seguidor suyo desde hace no mucho tiempo. He leido su post y les entiendo, pero tambien me da un poco de pena no poder seguir leyendo sus viajes y aventuras, así como la vida del barco que ustedes poseen.
Les deso lo mejor. Seguiré con interés, como hasta ahora, sus aventuras y sus viajes. Sinceramente ha sido muy bonito compartir este trocito de mundo.
Saludos y Buena suerte en sus nuevos proyectos.
Ramón.
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#13 by mikes motorcycle adventures on September 11, 2016 - 10:54 pm
I have enjoyed your blogs and website since first discovering them about a year ago. As a “small” boat owner, your passages and instructional videos were very much appreciated and have motivated me to do more cruising. WELL DONE !!!!
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#14 by Cyndy Morreale on September 11, 2016 - 10:42 pm
I can’t wait to see where you land … or don’t land !
Loved getting to experience life on the Chesapeake with you two aboard Sheer Madness!
Cyndy 😎
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#15 by Glen on September 11, 2016 - 5:15 pm
I read this entry with more than a little sadness, not for you two but for myself. I have followed your adventures for many years now and in a small way lived vicariously through your blogs and wonderful videos. I have no doubt that many more adventures are ahead of you but more importantly many more family and personal highs are ahead of you. Thank-you for giving so much of yourselves and good luck in all your future endeavors.
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#16 by Carl Pugh on September 11, 2016 - 4:56 pm
Wow…big news…the end of an era for us all. I have thoroughly enjoyed following your posts over the years Kathy.
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#17 by GEORGE VANISH on September 11, 2016 - 3:26 pm
Well, good luck in whatever you decide to do next. It’s been great reading about your adventures. Hope to hear more from you.
George R. Vanish GVANISH@YAHOO.COM
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#18 by Ginny on September 11, 2016 - 2:22 pm
Best wishes on selling Sheer Madness and for your next adventures. Looking forward to hearing what is ahead.
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#19 by Anonymous on September 11, 2016 - 1:59 pm
I have really enjoyed following you on your adventures. You have had such a wonderful life. I’m sure the rest of it will be great, just different. I’m wondering what’s on your bucket list. Happiness always!
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#20 by Sallie Wandling on September 11, 2016 - 12:38 pm
Wishing you all the best in your new adventures. ♥️ Sallie
Sent from my iPhone
>
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#21 by Sean Welsh on September 11, 2016 - 12:21 pm
Wow, big news. Wishing you a speedy and straightforward sale and great success in your next adventure. While we are sad we will not cross paths with you out on the water again, we’re thankful for the brief time we had together, and hope that we will stay in touch and perhaps cross paths again ashore.
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#22 by Jo on September 11, 2016 - 12:08 pm
Thanks for sharing your adventures and travels with us all. I will miss your updates. All the best. Jo
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#23 by Caroleerx@aol.com on September 11, 2016 - 11:14 am
I hope you have received my response to your big event of your life, and hope you saw I have been watching and listening to you.
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#24 by Jack Apple on September 11, 2016 - 11:01 am
Kathy and Brad,
Sat next to you at Steve’s breakfast meeting at FLIBS last year. Wanted to let you now how much we have enjoyed your adventures through the years. When great Nordhavn blog writers shift their lives it’s like a child moving out! It was a lot of fun and we wish you two the best.
Jack and susan Apple
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#25 by Jeff Marcon on September 11, 2016 - 11:00 am
So sorry to hear you are giving up Sheer madness. Best wishes and safe travels for whatever the future holds for you two. Thank you for your posts over the last few years. I remember seeing SM in the solomons harbor 4-5 years ago and was always excited to hear about her exploits.
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#26 by Tom Hewitt on September 11, 2016 - 10:38 am
Marlene and I look forward to your emails with your current adventure. Your recipe for living live is perfect.
Will be waiting anxiously for next update.
Tom
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#27 by Paul Kent, PhD on September 11, 2016 - 10:36 am
Dear Kathy and Bradley,
As you welcome the upcoming changes (and challenges) in your lives, I can’t help but think of the adventurous journey you have traveled through since I have known you — your continuous sharing of photos and emails made me feel a part of that journey. I will miss your seagoing reports, but look forward to hearing (and following) what happens next!
Take care,
Paul
Sent from my iPhone
Nathan Associates Inc. Paul Kent, PhD | Senior Vice President/Global Advisor for Ports and Infrastructure Nathan Associates Inc. (+1) 703-516-7830 website | map | email TwitterRSSLinkedinSkype
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#28 by davidsonlaw on September 11, 2016 - 10:27 am
As someone who only knows you from this blog, which I found as a result of you passing through Newfoundland while I was there, I will miss seeing your updates and adventures, but certainly wish you well in whatever live has in store for you going forward. (If only I had the cash to buy a boat … still planning for that one!)
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#29 by davidsonlaw on September 11, 2016 - 10:28 am
Please excuse the (for me) early morning typos! Ugghh.
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#30 by Anonymous on September 11, 2016 - 10:22 am
Dick and I feel so lucky to have shared some of those memories!
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