This blog tells my very personal story of sailing a small boat across the Pacific and of close encounters with places, people, and events that pushed me to extremes that I never imagined. Use the tab at the top "The Whole Story" to follow the blog entries in order. -- Jim Burge … Continue reading The Story of Akela
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
On the road to the Marquesas Festival
(posted by Marine) 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 … Continue reading On the road to the Marquesas Festival
Akela in Fakarava with Jim and Kim’s Family
(posted by Dae Wook) 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 … 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
Sail Akela 