Search for 24-foot sailboat off Hilo Hawaii (Merged)

[Hud3]

Originally Posted by Mahana

The Whidbey News article from July (linked somewhere above) indicated that he was headed for Cape Horn. Perhaps this is a kind of shake-down cruise in preparation for the Southern Oceans.

I think I read somewhere that he set off for Cape Horn from the US West Coast somewhere, but had some rig damage off Mexico that made it impossible for him to sail close to the wind. So he bore off and headed for Hawaii.

That's one approach, I suppose.

[ravinracin]

Now it is time to search and worry. On this leg of his journey he has text regularly through out the day. His last texts were on the morning of the 28th. His equipment is down, he I in real trouble or he is gone.

[Hud3]

Or, he's OK and his batteries are dead!

[clockwork orange]

Originally Posted by Paul Annapolis

A manifestly unsafe voyage. .. an accident waiTing to haPpen. .. a 3200 pound boat. . Lord. What fools these mortals be. ..

Size has nothing to do with how seaworthy a boat is, only comfort. Trekka was what, 2000lbs, Webb Chiles is circumnavigating on a Moore 24, also 2000lbs. From the stories though ill bet this guy has not done the required preparation and modifications to make his old SJ24 suitable. In the photo of him leaving the boat does not appear to be down on its lines much. Im somewhat familiar with these boats, they sail very well, my son did foredeck on one when they won the nationals some years ago.

Steve.

[Paul Annapolis]

Stick any bozo on any 24' and they Will eventually get somewhere. .. and having fine so does not mean they were prudent or did not blindly sail into danger. .. as I said an accident waiTing to haPpen. .. the general public reads of this and thinks. ... oh what a brave guy. . Oh the ocean is so dangerous. .. oh it must be so Risky on a small boat. . None of which is true. ...

[robert sailor]

Years ago it was very common for folks to strike out in small boats and sail them all over the place. Now adays we are so coddled and fearful that when we see someone do something like this we are quick to pass judgement. Its people like this guy that took risks years ago so that we had the opportunity to even live here.

[Paul Annapolis]

Going to sea in a small or large boat is Risky but risk can be miNimized by being prudent and prepaRing. To those who patently disregard bEing prudent and prepared I ask why they deserve our resPect and donations. ... as I said. . An accident waiting to happen. .. look at the condition of his sails. .. and there is zero excuse for loSing a liferaft....all they due is put themselves and others at risk and then make v sailing look really dangerous

[Mahana]

Mr. Meleshyus is neither a fool nor a hero in my eyes- just someone who has chosen to pursue a risky dream. I wish him the best of luck.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by roverhi

One thing I do question is trying to make the sail in the winter. In typical conditions, he'd be subjected to the passage of 4-6 or even more low pressure systems on the trip.

You are dead right. I just had a look at world Cruising Routes and Cornell recommends March to May and September to October.

I am very much on this thing about sailing in the right season. And though its now the beginning of March he left on the 9th of February.

The difference between feb and April is HUGE. The North pacific Pilot Charts for Feb show some of the boxes he goes through are 6 or 7s for percentage gales, where April are all 1s and a couple of 2s. Thats one hell of a difference in the chance of getting hit by storms.

Again, I commend people going on passage to go at the BEST time, not before and not after. Sail in the right season!

Originally Posted by Mahana

It demonstrates to me that satellite connectivity on a boat in trouble can save USCG a lot of money in unnecessary search effort.

Yeah, I agree. Better than an EPIRB in that respect. Electronics have certainly been changing the passage making world for the better. With AIS, EPIRB and satellite texting, and satellite weather we are as well off as possible.


Mark

[Paul Annapolis]

by wishing him the best of luck one accepts the fact that luck whatever it may be will be a factor in safety or his eventual arrival. There is no such thing as luck but for those who prepare safely an eventual arrival is almost guaranteed.He is not pursuing a risky dream he is pursuing a dream in a risky fashion.

[Boatguy30]

Good on him and all that, but who should the USCG send the bill to IF they have to go out and pick him up?

totally crazy time of year to be doing this trip.

[Mahana]

Originally Posted by Paul Annapolis

....He is not pursuing a risky dream he is pursuing a dream in a risky fashion.

Well said!

[SaltyMonkey]

Luck? I believe it exists, not in your control, therefore not a factor.
Guaranteed? Nothing is guaranteed.

Prudent preparation? Absolutely. Meta-think. Don't be blinded by your own selfish and projected overreaching 19th century romanticism. Do your homework. Know your limitations.

Respect the sea. Respect yourself. Respect others.

[SaltyMonkey]

Originally Posted by Paul Annapolis

He is not pursuing a risky dream he is pursuing a dream in a risky fashion.

Nice antimetabole!

[Paul Annapolis]

Antimetabole...I had to Look it up. . Not a chiasmus???...I Did not realIze. ... my point is probably a coMmon theme on this forum. ...a modest number of people seem to do the same thing. .. pursue their dreams in foolish or risky ways...