Very interesting articles, I have much the same way of thinking but certainly not Josh experience. But all his ideas are very easy to adapt to. In fact my own grab bag is already in use, the bilge pump problem has concerned me a lot and I managed to solve it (a little bit differently).
For the solution with an EPIRB or a PLB, I havent chosen one yet.
Kal-P-Dal,
Those are some pretty-whopping-big goals you have, buddy! I couldn't help but be reminded of the old Breton fisherman's prayer which states, "O God, thy sea is so great and my boat is so small."
Well this is just an idea at the moment and maybe could (if inputs are OK) develope into a plan.From your initial post, you strike me as a fellow who already has a lot of sea-kayaking experience.
Correct, I have some kayak experience but have been sailing since childhood. If that’s so, you’re likely aware of all that entails but I can’t shake the idea that sea kayakers rarely go beyond sight of land.
I’m aware of that! I’m a sea kayaker, and I’ll confess that when I got my TI, I thought that all my problems with regard to making progress over the water would be behind me… just unfurl the sail and go… piece of cake; right? Wrong.
I've had my TI for 2 years now, and just when I start getting smug and thinking I know it well, something happens to humble my arrogance, like failing to travel 2 miles in an upwind direction on a recent outing because the sea lane was too narrow to tack effectively, the shipping traffic was heavier than expected, and I couldn’t pedal/paddle against the wind, waves, & tidal current. After three hours of fighting all the above, I had to abort.
These kind of experiences is exactly what I am interested of!If you’re going to travel beyond sight of land on the open sea, I trust you know ALL of the following VERY well:
** How to read the stars of the night sky, and the sun during the day.
No this is one of my weaknesses.** What the "points of sail" and the "90° no-go-zone" are.
Yes I am clear over this.** What various cloud patterns reveal about approaching weather.
No this is another of my weaknesses but I will be able to get a god forecast before every crossing.** How to plot a "course-made-good" with map, compass, & dividers.
I know the concept in theory but have newer practiced it. I will rely on GPS with sea charts loaded. Will have 2 GPS and 1 compass with me.** How the ocean currents ebb and flow in your area of interest.
I know the these water fair enough. They are not realy dangerous, with exeptions from storms in certain directions.** The most common direction the wind blows from in your area of interest.
Yes this I know. Rest from forecast.** What WGS84 means.
Yes I do and I am very familiar to all useful functions in both my GPS. ** How to communicate with other vessels using marine VHF.
No this I have to learn before the trip.** How to correctly mount a radar reflector on your boat.
A good question, how do you mount a radar reflector on an Adventure Island? Even if I do that, I can't rely on that ships will see me. I think not.** What a kayaker’s tow line (with quick-release) is.
I know that.** What an EPIRB is and where to carry it.
I know what it is but leaning towards a PLB.** Every single nut, bolt, screw, line, bearing, plug, fitting, brace, clip, block, pin, ring, and gadget is on your boat.
Well, I know my Adventure kayak to that grade but have to learn the AI to the same.** How to use every tool to fix or adjust the above, (and you have those tools on board).
I have lots of tools and know how to use them. And lots of spare parts but not certain that I have right ones yet.** How much fresh water you need for drinking each day, AND washing saltwater off yourself at the end of the day.
Yes, no problem.** The difference between clothing used while on the water versus clothing used in camp. (Camp clothes should be considered sacrosanct.)
Yes, no problem.** What positive buoyancy is.
Yes, no problem.Did I pass? Okay, okay, enough. The list goes on and on. I’m not trying to discourage you, it’s just that I spent 4 years in a U.S. Navy Search and Rescue helicopter squadron, and I was an ambulance driver/EMT for 15 years.
Well, we are all willing to take risks in traffic every day. In fact we are so used to risks in traffic so we don't realy bother. We are well trained and have lots of practice how to deal with traffic. Still, risks in traffic are higher than my paddling trip. It is a risk to be alive. You can die. Safety is big deal and I am no dare devil. All inputs counts!You have ambitious goals and I say go for it, but only with ALL of the necessary keys:
Training,
Practice,
Real-world experience, and
Proper equipment. Only then will you be ready. Anything short of that, and you are asking to die, as the sea is absolutely unforgiving.
Wise said!Okay, if you’re still reading, then good. Here’s your reward. Check the following link. It’s WAY COOL to see what some people are doing with these AI's and TI's!
http://transparentseavoyage.com/Best wishes!