What will become of me?

The Pacific is by far the largest ocean in the world it is more then twice the size of the Atlantic and covers almost 1/3 of the earth’s surface. The Pacific is 64 million square miles and larger then all of the earth’s land masses combined, and guess what; I’ve got it in my head to cross it in my little sail boat YEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!

What will become of me, will I be boarded by Pirates, will my motor die, will I loose my rig, will I hit a reef or submerged container and sink? Or perhaps I’ll fall off Namaste while taking a leek and watch her sail off under her autopilot. You know most single-handers who drown at sea are found floating with there zippers open. Will I hit major storms, will lightning strike me, will I loose my way?

I don’t know what will happen, but I can tell you one thing. If I were an old man lying on my death bed, never having attempting to cross the Pacific in a small boat, I would have regrets!

Namaste’s motor is not in great shape, she’s just about to turn 30 and hacks & carries on a bit. My plan is just to use her for entering and exiting harbors, and treat her with the respect she disserves for her age. She hasn’t left me stranded yet (knock on wood).

I think I’ll be a different man when I reach New Zealand, I tell you one thing. I’m sure I’ll be a better sailor.

I’m reading “The Pacific Crossing Guide” (revised by Ros Hogbin), and “Landfalls of Paradise” by Earl R. Hinz. The pacific is a big place and I can’t wait to start my journey.

If anyone has any Ideas, suggestions, or questions, fire away.

The only thing that would put me off from crossing this season is the possibility of an El Nino year. I’m talking to some people at NOAA, and watching the season closely. If that were the case I would sail for the Azores, Africa, and follow the trades to Brazil.

Time will tell.

Sail Far, and Live Slow!

– Alex