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
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
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
Back to the South Seas
In January, Jim went back to USA for a couple of months, and Max sailed aboard Poppy with the Schlegels, the Danish family that we encountered in Moorea. Jim returned to Polynesia in March, meeting Max in Nuku Hiva. We sailed Akela from the Marquesas Islands to the Tuamotos, trying our hand at high seas … Continue reading Back to the South Seas
The man from Nantucket
Out in the big ocean blue With not anything to do Just burning up time We’re making up rhymes Songs, limericks, and Haikus While crossing the sea in a gale The water came over the rail Day after day We take waves and spray And even caught squid in the sail I’m off to go … Continue reading The man from Nantucket
Sail Akela 