One Ocean and crew are currently about halfway through our longest crossing to date. We left the Galápagos on June 4, and the passage to Hawaii is more than 3,900 nautical miles.
A journey of this size takes preparation. We have enough diesel to get us there if necessary, but sailing is a must. We've had a good week of sailing, although the trade winds have disappeared over the last few days. Fortunately, we have a very strong current in our favor and have been averaging more than 160 miles per day. Today we were able to hoist the spinnaker, and that always brings a smile to the crew!
Some big news: tomorrow is our LAST live online classroom of this voyage!
The class, Closing the Journey, will take place on June 16 at 9:00 a.m. PDT. The Around the Americas crew will share a slideshow presentation, research highlights, connections we've made, fun facts, and memorable moments from the expedition.
Please join us! You can register here if you'd like to ask questions, or simply tune in using this link: ATA Closing the Journey
Throughout this past year, it has been necessary for the crew to stay focused on the present moment. But now, knowing that our next stop is in the United States, it is starting to sink in that we are getting closer to home.
Our planned arrival back in Anacortes is sometime in early August. Of course, as this entire voyage has taught us, everything is dictated by the weather.
We would also like to thank Mustang Survival for the wonderful article they wrote about us for World Oceans Day. It is an honor to be recognized for the work we have been doing. The Captain's Blog- One Island, One Ocean: Science Without Borders
We were also recognized by Exploring By The Seat Of Your Pants for World Oceans Day. We had an incredible class with crew members David Rockefeller, David Thoreson, Herb McCormick and honorary mention to Dave Logan who couldn’t make it, from the 2009–2010 Around the Americas Expedition, where we discussed how individuals can create meaningful change. What an experience it was to host such an inspiring group of people. I was truly touched and humbled to be part of that conversation. If you missed it you can watch it here: Motivating Meaningful Change with the 2009/10 ATA Expedition.
You might be wondering why we chose Hawaii instead of coming directly up the U.S. west Coast. Well, it's because Hawaiian communities have become global leaders in ocean stewardship. A powerful example of how communities can protect and restore the ocean, and we're eager to learn from those efforts and build new partnerships.
We are looking forward to sharing our story and learning more about local sustainability efforts. Stay tuned—we'll continue posting updates from the voyage. You can find updates through social media or our blogs. I also recently posted a blog about diving in the Galápagos, including encounters with white-tip reef sharks, eagle rays, and swimming through massive bait balls of fish. You can click here to read it: Beneath the Surface of the Galapagos.
This expedition has been one of the greatest achievements of my life. We set out to conduct ocean research, educate and inspire students, and share stories from the sea. What this crew, along with our volunteers, donors, educators, scientists, and supporters, have accomplished has gone far beyond those original goals.
The amount of connection created through this journey has blown me away.
Our reach is global. Thousands of students have participated in our online classrooms through Exploring By The Seat Of Your Pants. Our social media audience has grown into the hundreds of thousands. We've given presentations in person and online throughout the Americas, and nearly every time we arrive in port, people are waiting to meet us and share how much this message resonates with them.
One thing has become abundantly clear throughout this voyage: people care deeply about the ocean.
The message that we have one ocean, and that we all share responsibility for protecting it, is a message that connects people everywhere. We are truly in this together.
The truth is, we don't want this journey to end.
Our inspiration has come from all of these connections—with students, educators, supporters, and especially the scientists working tirelessly to gather data, answer difficult questions, and better understand our changing ocean.
Funding for science and education remains a challenge, and we hope to continue supporting both after we return home. Our plan is to keep the classrooms going, continue research opportunities, and find new ways to connect people with the ocean.
We still have an incredible Langara Fishing Lodge donation package available. The trip can be used this summer or in 2027.
I worked at Langara back in the 1990s, and it truly changed my life. Looking back, it was probably one of the biggest influences on my path toward ocean conservation.
The package includes a 4–5 day trip for two to Haida Gwaii, including airfare and helicopter transportation. Guests enjoy world-class accommodations, exceptional dining, and access to one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
And if fishing isn't your thing, there is still plenty to experience. The wildlife alone is unforgettable—orcas, humpback whales, dolphins, bald eagles, and some of the most spectacular scenery on the Pacific coast.
If you are interested, please contact Jennifer Dalton at atamericasjd@gmail.com.
Every dollar raised through this package goes directly to supporting the expedition. Not only will you experience an incredible all-inclusive adventure in the remote archipelago of Haida Gwaii, but you'll also help us continue our mission of supporting ocean science, education, and inspiring the next generation of ocean stewards.
Thank you so much for following this journey ~ ONE ISLAND, ONE OCEAN. Together we can make a difference!