This blog tells the story of life aboard the sailboat Akela with my family and friends, exploring the world and discovering ourselves along the way. Most of the entries were made during our 2018-2020 Pacific Adventure. Use the tab at the top "Pacific Adventure" to follow the story. -- Jim Burge … Continue reading The Story of Akela
Hvar Island
Jim thought it important to explain the difference between private cruising and local Dalmatian charter sailing. Private cruising is more self-reliant, being able to exist for long periods away from safe port. Dalmatian chartering is for going short distance between marinas where at night the boat is plugged into the Islands electrical grid, freshwater utilities. … Continue reading Hvar Island
The Island of Brac
Written by Matt Rademacher The first island offshore from Split is Brac. The island is long and narrow. It is made of the same limestone rock that towers over the mainland Dalmatian coast. Brac and the surrounding islands are a continuation of these tall Dalmatian mountains just with their valleys submerged into the sea. They … Continue reading The Island of Brac
Croatia arrival
Written by Matt Rademacher Jack had back trouble and was unable to go on the Croatian sailing trip. There was an open space so I came along. Jim, Tony, Jacque and I meet at the Tucson Airport ticket counter and excitedly discuss our trip. We board our plane and fly to Denver. Jet from Denver … Continue reading Croatia arrival
Next stop — Croatia!
After a hiatus from sailing adventures and blogging, I'm back at it! My friends and I are chartering a sailboat out of Split, Croatia to explore the islands of the Adriatic Sea. -- On May 21, Tony, Jacque, Jack and I will step aboard Vana, a 39 ft Bavaria sloop, for two weeks of fun … Continue reading Next stop — Croatia!
The great Pacific adventure comes to a close
Three years ago, I started this blog to share our adventures crossing the ocean and visiting far-away places that most people can only dream about. It's been quite a trip! But now Akela is once again moored in the crowded San Diego Bay and I have the swallowed the proverbial anchor and settled back into … Continue reading The great Pacific adventure comes to a close
Hilo, Hawaii to San Diego — Akela style
(posted by Patrik) 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 … Continue reading Hilo, Hawaii to San Diego — Akela style
16 Days at Sea
(posted by Dan and Emma) 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 … 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
(posted by Matt) 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 … Continue reading Marquesan Festival
Sail Akela 