James Feldkamp

According to counter-terrorism consultant James Feldkamp, one of the misconceptions people have about the war against terror is that it is a battle that only trained soldiers and law enforcement can fight. While there’s some truth to this, Feldkamp explains that ordinary citizens can do their part without having to join the military or law enforcement agencies. Image source: en.wikipedia.org Image source: youtube.com Take, for example, the FBI. The bureau itself has admitted in the past that it needs help from civilians who are willing to do their part in putting terrorists behind bars. And while their abilities are limited, ordinary citizens can still be very useful against terrorists. In this day and age, simple awareness and vigilance can go a long way. With the technology at everyone’s fingertips, taking and sending photographs, alerting the authorities, and doing research can be done at the drop of a hat from almost anywhere. That being said, James Feldkamp...

During his free time, James Feldkamp loves to sail around the world. But for his day job, Feldkamp is the Lead Consultant for Intelligence and Counterterrorism at Complete Threat Preparedness. While he’s shared a few blogs on his hobbies, he wants to take the time to inform everyone on something that’s extremely important, especially in today’s world – preparedness in the event of a live threat. Image source: miamipspi.com Image source: abcnews.com  Over the past decade, there have been a number of mass shootings in the United States, and the odds of it happening are not going down. It’s important that people know what to do during these situations. As such, James Feldkamp lists two must-dos in case of a threat. Be familiar with the surroundings. As soon as a person steps into an establishment, he or she should immediately look for any emergency exits. These are the first places people should head to in case of an active shooter in the area. If there are ...

Most seasoned sailors will be quick to get poetic and tell you that what’s special about sailing is the connection you make with nature. When you’re in that perfect moment, it can feel spiritual: The entire world seems to go all quiet, and all you can hear is the passing breeze and the hull moving across the water. But before we get too sentimental, you need to first find yourself at sea and get going (or cruising). Below are some tips for beginners, courtesy of seasoned sailing enthusiast James Feldkamp. Image source: popularmechanics.com Image source: asa.com First, if it’s within your capacity, go join a sailing workshop. The top two certifying bodies in the U.S. are U.S. Sailing and the American Sailing Association. There are, of course, hundreds more spread across the country, with beginner courses usually conducted during the weekends at an average rate of $500 per student. One common question that first-time sailors ask is, “What should one do when there’s a ...

Sailing often conjures images of faultless blue waters, glorious sunsets, cocktails, and all-around sunshine. But it’s also a fun sporting activity that involves a host of new things to learn, from steering and reading maps to folding ropes and trimming sails. In this blog, sailing enthusiast James Feldkamp talks about some common sailing misconceptions. Image source: quantumsails.com Image source: total-croatia-news.com First, it’s not as difficult as you think. Yes, as in all endeavors, it requires dealing with a certain learning curve. But once you become familiar with the many sailing terms and techniques, you’d soon become at ease. You simply have to be committed to learning the sailing rules and be confident with your skills. Of course, it’s best to have a chartered boat in the beginning as well as an experienced skipper on board as you practice and master the craft. It’s also untrue that sailing is an elitist sport. Contrary to what you may have thought...

The U.S. Navy’s Littoral Combat Ship or LCS has drawn considerable flak in recent years due to the relatively slow shipbuilding. But perfecting its design and expanding its functions may simply be a matter of finding the right add-ons, explains James Feldkamp, former Navy Commander and now an adjunct professor at George Mason University. Image source: lockheedmartin.com Image source: military.com About half of all available LCS have not been active since the Cold War. If the LCS is indeed to again become a crucial vessel in the U.S. Navy fleet, it must offer solid punching power. After all, the ship already comes with a modular design. It’s possible to place, say, add-on sleets as part of today’s open-architecture, off-the-shelf technology. One of the best ways to realize the LCS’ capabilities and potential is to equip them with the Norwegian-made, fifth-generation Naval Strike Missile. Having these missiles on board is one of the best ways to increase U.S. naval s...

Counterterrorism and global security expert James Feldkamp has cited the strengthening of littoral combat ships (LCSs) as one of the cornerstones of U.S. naval success in the next few years. He believes that with the proper research and purchasing, as well as efficient shipbuilding, the United States may be able to create more capable sea vessels at a lower cost. Image source: Wikipedia.com Image source: businessinsider.sg For starters, James mentions the Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile (NSM) as a good fit for any LCS. The guidance system of this 900-pound anti-ship projectile has been developed to give it an over-the-horizon capability with a range of 115 nautical miles. The guidance system is state-of-the-art with GPS inertial and terrain reference systems that are more advanced than the U.S.’s own GM-84 Harpoon. Equipped with the NSM, LCSs attacks would be much harder to prevent, as evidenced in war games. In the simulation, smaller ships were targets and enemie...

Sailing is more than a segue from a trip to a prime vacation spot. It is a sport that is loved and adored by many men and women across the globe. It offers lessons that are not exclusive to the sport itself. It can teach a person a lot about grit, discipline, and determination. Image source: sportspromedia.com A good reason to try sailing is to have broader horizons, literally and figuratively. Sailing is all about learning and developing new perspectives. For most sailors, the sea is where they are most relieved of stress. For James Feldkamp, a participant in the upcoming Clipper Round the World Race, sailing also teaches the value of being in control. When one is faced with a tough challenge, they are only greatly in charge of their attitude and behavior towards it; proper vessel control and management take grit and guts. Image source: bavariayachts.com As with most sports, camaraderie is at the heart of sailing. Effective teamwork leads to fun moments at se...

Founder of JLF Solutions James Feldkamp has a goal to compete in the Clipper Round the World Race. He is fascinated with this one-of-a-kind yachting spectacle that sees people work in groups to achieve what very few others have ever achieved before. Feldkamp is also enamored by many of the places participants will get to see in this global event. Image source: chinatouradvisors.com One such place is Sanya in China. Best known for the crystal blue water and well-preserved beaches, Sanya is unlike any other place people have seen before. Located at the southern tip of the province of Hainan, Sanya is never short of visitors. A vast majority of Sanya’s attractions are near or on the water, which is why it has oftentimes been compared to Hawaii. One of the most popular spots in Sanya is Tianya Haijiao, which means ‘edge of the sky, rim of the sea.’ It is 15 miles from the center of the city and is drenched in local folklore. The three rocks in the area are famous attr...

Leg 2 of the Clipper Round the World Race is considered one of the most challenging parts of the course because of the perilous conditions of the South Atlantic Ocean. There are the Trade Winds that can damage the sailboat’s spinnaker, which may require hours of strenuous stitching to repair. There is also the difficulty of traversing through long, rolling swells that will test the physical and mental state of the skippers, which James Feldkamp would be this 2019. Image source: yachtsandyachting.com It is also said that the second leg should be treated as a marathon, not a sprint. But after approximately 18 days and 4,200 miles of sailing, the stopover at Cape Town, South Africa can help the crew recover well for many reasons. For one, the port city is just beneath the famous Table Mountain and is bordered by the sea on both sides. It is also home to a biodiverse species of flora and fauna, which can be enjoyed in the Company’s Gardens, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and...

One of the most prestigious and challenging boating spectacles, the Clipper Round the World Race marks its 12th year with another challenge to amateur and professional sailors willing to take the helm over its eight-stop course. On its last leg, sailors will be racing from the U.S. West Coast, down to South America, and conclude on the East Coast. Image source: economictimes.indiatimes.com Bridging the leg is Panama, a world-renowned destination for sailors who want to sail east to west or vice versa through the Panama Canal. According to James Feldkamp, a security expert who will be participating in the race, the Panama Canal has been a key maritime figure. Here are some interesting facts about the Panama Canal that every sailor must know. The original plan was to build the canal in Nicaragua The United States originally wanted to build the canal bridging the Atlantic and the Pacific in Nicaragua. The plan was later on changed thanks to the effort of French engineer P...

Hainan Island is located at the Southern end of China, with stunning tropical weather that doesn’t experience winter. James Feldkamp, along with other participants of Clipper Round the World Race, will get to visit this paradise during the fifth leg of the competition. Here are some travel tips in case you find yourself in Hainan Island. Enjoy Coconut Festival. Because of its large production of coconuts, Hainan island is also known as “Coconut Island.” During late March or early April each year, island dwellers hold “Coconut Festival” for the tourists. Visitors can trek to Haikou for the coconut lanterns, or go to Sanya Bay to watch the revered dragon boat race and folk martial arts completion, among other activities. Image source: thetravelintern.com Savor the local flavors. Hainan Island boasts a wide array of tropical fruits such as lychees, bananas, pineapple, and it has a huge selection of seafood. James Feldkamp, as well as the other competitors of the Clipper Ro...

Image source: isportconnect.com The Clipper Round the World Race is a yacht race with no equal, and it is one of the biggest challenges of the natural world. In order to have proper preparation for a race as extreme as the Clipper Race, one must get past the beginner status and move on to become an experienced racer. Some ocean-racing athletes may be completely new to the idea of the Clipper Race. That shouldn’t be a problem, as there are a number of training programs not as competitive as the Clipper Race’s, which can be more suitable for first-timers. A beginner must choose the right race , maybe a regatta for an organization. There are more mellow races, and a racer must view it as a learning goal. Image source: allevents.in Ask an experienced racer along for the ride , and consider them as a safety net. A patient pal can be a great teacher, but treat them as just crew so as to not be dependent on them throughout the race. Go spinnaker-less even if the boat h...

Australia is definitely one of the world’s best yachting destination thanks to its first-class boating facilities. This is also one of the reasons why South Australia was chosen as the fourth leg of the Clipper Round the World Race in 2019. The race is an epic 8-leg race that passes through different oceans and continents, bringing together amateurs and professionals on a 70ft ocean-racing yachts. Image source: portlincoln.sa.gov.au Image source: australiantraveller.com South Australia alone has over 5,000km of coastline. Between Spencer and St. Vincent Gulf, you will certainly find your boating experience pleasurable. Here are some destinations you can visit on your yacht in the southern part of Australia. Port Lincoln The town was originally built on commercial fishing and contains the biggest fleet of commercial fishing boats in the country. Still, Port Lincoln also offers high-quality permanent facilities as well as facilities for short-term berths. While y...

Image source: asia-pacificboating.com The Clipper Round the World Race will be on its 11th year in 2019. It’s a race where participants boarding 70-foot racing yachts circumnavigate the world in eight grueling stages and 13 to 16 individual races, each progressively testing their skills and endurance. The race was established by the first man to circumnavigate the world alone on a boat, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. What’s unique about the Clipper Round the World Race is that it’s not dominated by professionals. Everyday people join every year after completing rigorous training courses and availing of necessary protective gear to start the race. At the end of the day, there’s a mix of people from different backgrounds working together to be the fastest boat on the water. One of the legs of the event brings participants to Asia. The fifth leg of the race begins at the southeast tip of Australia and goes north up to the Olympic sailing city of Qingdao, China. Along the way, partici...

The penultimate leg of the Clipper Round the World Race takes the skippers and sailing crews to a coast to coast journey of the North American continent. From Seattle, the participants make their way to the Panama Canal. Traversing this manmade waterway, an engineering wonder, provides one of the best highlights for many of the contestants of the 40,000-nautical-mile race. After this, they would navigate the East Coast toward New York. Image source: funcheap.com While the 7th leg lacks the thrill of crossing over a vast ocean, which some of the other legs are known for, it does bring about the contestants’ yacht racing skills. This part of the Clipper Race is likened to a match of chess as tactical decisions and patience are necessary. Firstly, there is the choice of whether to go inshore or offshore. By choosing the former, the currents and tidal streams can speed up the clipper. However, sailing near the shore entails dealing with unpredictable winds and gusts. Conv...

There’s no other race in the world quite like the Clipper Race. It’s a race that takes participants around the world and challenges every facet of their being, from the physical to the emotional to the mental. Teams board yachts and conquer the seas through several legs. Image source: sail-world.com Here are some of the lesser known, jaw-dropping numbers of the race. 1. Since the race is physically demanding, there are 224 types of medical supplies on each boat to make sure everyone is safe and in shape. 2. On an average, participants spend a little more than 500 hours on the boats during the race. 3. Depending on the year, the total number of Clipper Race participants may exceed 650, with the average age being 46. 4. Over 1,400 meters of rope is used in rigging a single boat. Overall, the rope weighs over 190 kilograms. Ropes are made of Dyneema, which is lighter than traditional ropes. 5. If one were to combine all the sails of a Clipper 70 yacht, it would cover...

Traversing the waters of the South Atlantic Ocean constitutes the second leg of the great Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, as competitors depart from South America. They now must find a way to blitz the rolling swells of the South Atlantic on their way to the Southern Ocean. Spinnakers are the most appropriate sails for this crossing, as participants face the Trade Winds and surf down the front of the swells. If done correctly, the boats can run at speeds well above 20 knots. However, yacht crew members must be fully aware that the race is more of a marathon than a sprint; taking great care of their kit is a must as any false turn can rip apart the sail and leave them lagging as they stitch for hours. Massive South Atlantic storms are common, too. Participants have to be alert of incoming weather reports as they follow the route that turns the boats east toward Africa. This navigation of the Southern Cross is nonetheless most welcome: a breathtaking, nature-communing segme...

Unparalleled in its grandeur, test of endurance, and prestige in sailing, the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is a much-awaited sporting event that involves eight legs around the world onboard a fleet of identical yachts.   The race, conceived in 1995 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, ran every two years from 1996 to 2002, skipped a year, and then ran subsequent races starting in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2015, and 2017. The crew members, who can sign up for the whole race or just one or more legs, need not be professional yacht racers.   In the past, qualified crew members ranged from housewives and office workers to chief executives and seasoned athletes, demonstrating that credentials aren’t what it takes to make it; it’s all about outwitting and conquering the ocean and facing Mother Nature in its most challenging. On the Clipper Race website, interested individuals may request an application pack or book an interview.   Clipper Race crew must undergo fo...

It’s a yacht race around the world like no other, involving 11 months of daring and hard work, as well as 40,000 grueling nautical miles across the sea .   The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is unparalleled in its appeal to the novice and the experts alike, its refusal to distinguish between seasoned athletes and sailing enthusiasts who want to embark on an ocean challenge of a lifetime. The race across five oceans and six continents is no easy feat.   According to the Clipper Race’s official website, full circumnavigation is quite an undertaking, where one “ will have sailed in all conditions from warm trade winds, through winter storms, tropical heat of the Doldrums, traversing the Equator twice and cross the International Date Line.”   It’s a visit to 13 different countries, a real circumnavigator’s journey from the point of departure to the path back home. The individual legs are as follow: Atlantic trade winds leg, South Atlantic challenge leg, Southe...

Once participants of the Clipper Round the World Race, or the Clipper Race leave Cape Town in South Africa, they will travel all the way to Australia and dock on the port of Fremantle.   The city itself is a fantastic place to stay in, and any lover of art and music will surely find their stay here a very memorable one.   Fremantle has several establishments dedicated to art and music such as art galleries and musical venues.   The city even has its very own theater company, named Harbour Theater Inc., which has had performances that date all the way back to 1963.   On Bathers’ Beach, tourists can find J Shed, which is home to four studios made for artists.   Across the Fremantle ports, visitors can see the Old Customs House.   Artsource is based here, running it non-profit artist agency.   There are 23 artist studios inside. Among the several wonderful music venues that see live performances from all kinds of musical artists, the m...