Hōkūleʻa Update | March 12, 2017
Blogs by Duane DeSoto
March 11 – Day 2 of Leg 29
Yesterday was bit hectic do to so many things to prep and finish up before leaving. Broken anchor line, leaky ground wires and the many little details of setting out to sea for 20+ days with out new provisions.
A full day has passed since leaving Rapa Nui and the energy has calmed as we settle into our sailing routines and gather our sea legs. Calm winds have guided us gently west and small swells follow in our aft. Sailing downwind has its challenges and our crew is adapting quickly. What a gift it is to be sailing on Hōkūleʻa.
A full moon tonight will brighten our way and a possible squall or two will bathe the waʻa. May tonights wind blow steadily and the stars shine bright. Aloha nō, Duane.
March 12 – Day 3 of Leg 29
We are far from land today. We are surrounded by blue on our way to Pitcairn. The sun was blazing and the winds were light. Pacific ocean as far as the eye can see, with a few clouds to break up the different shades of blue.
We traveled a steady 3.5 knots most of the day which proved to be not so good for trolling our lewers. No fresh fish compared to our first day catch of 2 mahimahi. Still tons of fresh provisions to make ʻono meals.
Its truly amazing to be at sea isolated from the rest of the world on a waʻa. An adventure lead by navigators and captains. Somehow the restrictions of life have not been able to stop us from voyaging. Believing in our leaders and trusting them with our lives. Yet not thinking twice about it. Holo holo.
Hōkūleʻa glides elegantly through the ocean on a mission of unity, kuleana, and culture. We as crew are privileged to assist her in this successful journey of teaching nā keiki o Hawaiʻi about how special their roots are and that the world is at their fingertips. What are you capable of if a double hulled traditional sailing canoe can navigate the Earth? Aloha nō, Duane.
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