Akela is a two-masted sailing boat called a Hardin Sea Wolf ketch made in Taiwan in 1977. ("Akela" is named after the lone wolf in Kipling's Jungle Book.) The Burge family acquired Akela in San Carlos, Mexico in 1999 and spent 15 years cruising aboard Akela in the Sea of Cortez while maintaining a seemingly … Continue reading The Story of Akela
Hilo, Hawaii to San Diego — Akela style
Well, it happened; we crossed an ocean. When the world is on lockdown and everyone is supposed to be “social distancing,” what do you do? You take it to the next level and join two complete strangers for a few weeks at sea aboard a 41-foot sailboat. That’s right, this is our brand of crazy. … Continue reading Hilo, Hawaii to San Diego — Akela style
16 Days at Sea
After our 2000-mile journey together, Jim asked us to write about our time on Akela. We, Dan and Emma, are two sailors from San Francisco looking for more ocean crossing experience before taking the plunge and starting our own bluewater adventure. Preparations Our journey started when we met Jim online after answering an ad for … Continue reading 16 Days at Sea
Bound for Hawaii
July 20, 2020: After three false starts, I was finally on my way back to Akela, which had been abandoned in Taiohae Bay, Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia. I had two bags packed full of replacement parts, tools, spares, provisions, and clothes that I will need for the 2000 mile sail to Hawaii, followed by a … Continue reading Bound for Hawaii
Planning the long journey home
I flew home for Christmas, and stayed for the pandemic. Next up -- I'll find my way back to my beloved South Pacific and spend the remaining part of the summer aboard Akela making the long journey home. I had left Akela in Taiohae Bay, Nuku Hiva, in the Marquesas Islands with my friend Nico … Continue reading Planning the long journey home
Marquesan Festival
I eagerly told friends and family that Jungin and I are going to the Marquesas. The usual reply was, “Where are the Marquesas again?” The Marquesas Islands are the furthest island group in the world from any continent. The islands are about 1,900 miles south of Hawaii, which puts them 500 miles south of the … Continue reading Marquesan Festival
On the road to the Marquesas Festival
In November, Jim accepted 2 new crewmates on Akela : Nico and me, Marine, two dive instructors from Fakarava, dreaming to come back to the Marquesas Islands for the festival on Ua Pou in December. The first step was Tetamanu, in the south of Fakarava to dive with the gang on two other sailing boats, … Continue reading On the road to the Marquesas Festival
Akela in Fakarava with Jim and Kim’s Family
Chapter 1. Never Be on Two Boats "Oh, no... I'm gonna sink into the sea along with my backpack containing passports, smartphone, laptop, and more!" The epic adventure with Akela is about to start with me screaming as I have a serious dinghy (small boat connecting Akela and shore) problem, which just lost its balance due … Continue reading Akela in Fakarava with Jim and Kim’s Family
Schoepfs in Fakarava!
Fakarava pictures, video, and story by Brian and Susie Schoepf I was a little hesitant to spend 10 days on a boat with my brother, sister-in-law and husband. What do I pack? What will we eat? What will we do? Will I be seasick? The list of questions goes on and on but were all … Continue reading Schoepfs in Fakarava!
A New Chapter
So what does a man do when his world is turned upside-down and inside-out? Out of breath 60 feet under the sea, looking for light find out which way to the surface? Having forgotten how to cry, now sobbing hysterically. Max wasn’t just first mate on our little ship. For the past year and a … Continue reading A New Chapter
A Tragic End
Our adventure was brought to a tragic end on July 16, 2019 when Max's life flickered out at our home in Tucson. This came out of the blue and we don't understand it. Max was healthy, surrounded by loving family and friends, and was excited about his plans for the future. As you can imagine, … Continue reading A Tragic End