So far we’ve traveled about 450 nautical miles with about 850 left to go. This passage was possible to complete in 6 days even under ideal conditions averaging 9 kts. We’ve been holding pretty close to that average so far.
The weather has become increasingly nicer with more settled seas, sunny weather, and warm. It’s now 79 degrees F, and we’re all in shorts and barefoot. We’ve finally put out some fishing lines, but nothing caught so far but seaweed. I’m hoping for some bites in the afternoon feeding time. The forecasts calls for some lighter winds this evening, so our average speed will likely drop. Later forecasts have it picking up again though.
We’re all enjoying the trip and the wonder of the sea. We’ve only seen a few pieces of trash on this trip – a large buoy (barrel size) was the worst. We’ve had dolphin join us three times (that we saw). We hope some join us today since the weather is so much better, we’ll try get some video at the bows.
Wilson’s flight home is on Monday, so as long as we make it to our destination by Sunday we’ll be doing fine. If we run into light winds, we can fire up the iron sails – we have plenty of fuel to make it all the way if needed. So far, we haven’t used the engines at all since we left Carolina Beach inlet. Just the generator to charge the batteries each evening.
We are really blessed with a number of friends and family who helped us during the final days of our preparations. Too many to thank at once, but we really appreciate all the help – even if we were too busy to always profess our undying gratitude.
I am so happy for you and jealous,,,,So you got sea sick???? cruising 8-9 knots this is great. hope to see some pics soon.
I am doing fine, the fiettes wish you the best and will follow your path.
Congratulation to the admiral, she earn another star.
Gerard
Hi Frank! Sounds like things are smooth sailing so far
Great planning! You happened to leave at the beginning of Geography Awareness Week, so check out the website http://geographyawarenessweek.org if or when you are able at sea. It’s part of the MyWonderfulWorld campaign by National Geographic.
Cheers,
Keene
Hi im Noah Ecker the kid with long blonde hair.Your lucky to go on this trip cause you get to see famous surf spots.And i love to surf are you going to tahiti.So didn’t you say that its gonna take five years to get around the world.Has the seas been rough for you. Isn’t there a storm coming your way too. well thats all i wanted to know. sincerly,
noah ecker
Wow 3 days and no prblems. By now I would’ve been lost. I think the dolphins are really awsome. I’ve forgot how they look. I think your lucky to be able to ride on the ocean with the wild life. I wonder how it feels to have the ocean breeze in your face every day. I hope you don’t have problems any time soon.
Hello Mr.Tayor!My name is Grace and I am one of the 65 fifth graders you came and talkedto about your trip.I thinh you are relly brave to go around the world. I hope I see you again.Oh and happy sailing!
I hope you are having a good trip and by the looks of it it seems you are with all the nice weather. I hope you keep having a great trip. HAPPY SAILING!!
Nate
Frank,
It’s been fascinating following your preparations and now that you are underway I’m on the edge of my seat to find out where you are and what you’re experiencing. Thanks for sharing! I’m curious what you do at night? Do you sail all night or drift? You mentioned watch shifts a few times. How long are they and what do you do to pass the time?
I’m curious what you do at night? Do you sail or drift? You mentioned night watches a few times. How long are your shifts and what do you do to pass the time?
Hey Frank,
Long time reader of GEarthBlog thought it was about time I tuned in to this. It looks like your course takes you through Auckland, if so you can expect a cold Steinlarger waiting for you when you come ashore. Good luck out there.
Hey Frank,
Long time reader of GEarthBlog thought it was about time I tuned in to this. It looks like your course takes you through Auckland, if so you can expect a cold Steinlarger waiting for you when you come ashore. Good luck out there.
Frank,
Great to hear that you are on your way! You can imagine how difficult it is to sit at a desk thinking of what you are beginning. I think it’s great what you’re doing with the research and classroom interaction.
I tried to send you an email a few days ago and the message is bouncing back. I just wanted to let you know in case you were expecting emails from anyone and not receiving them.
Godspeed,
Ross
Hey Frank,
Long time reader of GEarthBlog thought it was about time I tuned in to this. It looks like your course takes you through Auckland, if so you can expect a cold Steinlarger waiting for you when you come ashore. Good luck out there.
How exciting!!
Sounds like you’re moving right along.
It’d be interesting to see a couple of random pictures of what’s floating around out in the middle of the ocean. Most people have no idea where things can end up-
Some fishermen I know around the Outerbanks found a paddle made from a square piece of plywood bolted to a hand carved tree limb/trunk…probably from
Cuba.
Hello we are all wondering you are in the world? We hope you do not run out of food and any other supplies. I hope you are having fun have you have seen any sharks or big fish? I think it is cool that you get to sail around the world. I hope you have fun.
Sincerely,
Madison
Hello Mr. Taylor I was wondering were you are in the world I think that it is cool that you are sailing around the world!!! Have you seen anything cool like a shark or odd looking fish and your boat is awesome it’s like a house I hope you and your Wife are doing good:)We all hope you are having fun and HAPPY SAILING:D
Sincerely,
Victoria D
Hello Mr. Taylor I was wondering were you are in the world I think that it is cool that you are sailing around the world!!! Have you seen anything cool like a shark or odd looking fish and your boat is awesome it’s like a house I hope you and your Wife are doing good:)We all hope you are having fun and HAPPY SAILING:D
Sincerely,
Victoria D