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
The boatyard in Paradise
We started our adventure last January in the Koehler boatyard in the San Diego where we repainted Akela's bottom and rebuilt all of the rigging. Since then, Akela has survived storms, giant waves, and even running into a hidden coral reef in Raroia with very few problems. The damage from the reef appeared to be … Continue reading The boatyard in Paradise
Huahine
We filled our fuel tanks (60 gallons in the belly tank and two 20 gallon drums on deck) and sailed Northwest out of Tahiti in the early afternoon Friday under light winds. Once we got 10 miles offshore, the winds filled in and we moved nicely at 6 knots under full sail towards the island … Continue reading Huahine
Living the Good Life
Max and I have been living on Akela for over half a year now and we have gotten used to it. So, you may be wondering, “What’s it like?” This blog is my attempt to answer that question. But keep in mind, that the response comes from my perspective. Somebody with background and interests other … Continue reading Living the Good Life
More time in Tahiti
After wonderful family time in Bora Bora, we had to say goodbye to Charlie. He came back to Tucson to stay with our other fuzzy family members so I could spend some more time with Jim in Tahiti for the big 30 year anniversary. (I changed my return flight to get two more weeks on … Continue reading More time in Tahiti
Burges take Bora Bora
Max and I had left Laura and Charlie at the dock in San Diego on February 11 with the promise that we would meet up in Bora Bora. For 4 months, Max and I have been living the dream as vagabonds cruising the idyllic South Pacific, but we were also longing for our family. I … Continue reading Burges take Bora Bora