Day 7
The weather report we all had been waiting for came in this morning. Maliksi, the low pressure system that had forced us to retreat to land was finally moving to the east and gave us a clear weather window to sail back to our location. Our router estimated we could leave our current location by the end of the day which means I’ll be swimming again in 24 hours.A few days ago a heavy tool box that wasn’t secured properly fell on my backpack. Its thin foam liner wasn’t enough protection to softened the impact, more than half of my computer screen cracked and I was left with only the right side. The black space had been creeping up leaving me with less and less working space each time I used it. Fortunately I was able to retrieve my important files and could still use it to send out some emails. I spent my last day just doing that and calling and video conferencing my friends and family one last time from land. Never before had I spent that much time on skype. I was looking at every details of people’s face, I wanted to have a clear memory of them and remember how the light bounced of their cheeks when they were in a darker place or how their air shined under the sun. These moments were intense and I felt deeply connected. In the evening before going to bed I rearranged my personal items to make sure that everything was at its place and I knew where everything was. I can’t stand spending time looking for something that has been misplaced. I share a cabin with Lauren and Paul and each of us have two shelves. Paul makes very good use of his shelves, there is no more empty space! He has invaded the floor with a big backpack full of clothes plus whatever other items laying on the floor. God, I love my nephew, that’s why I can tolerate his mess.Ben
This morning on deck I put on my swim gear for the last time. I can see the shore, the buildings and Queens Beach where I will make landfall. The last piece of equipment are my fins, I wrote on them a message in memory of my close friend Gino. I slowly slide in the … Continued
Before I worked on this project I was no stranger to filming ocean expeditions. I have been a part of teams that explored newly discovered coral reefs at the mouth of the Amazon, conducted the first manned submersible dives in Antarctica, and hunted the depths of the Humboldt current looking for cannibal squids. Despite all … Continued
As we got closer to Hawaii, a plane form the US Coast Guard flew toward us, circled the boat twice, then went back to where it came from and disappeared at the horizon. They probably had been following us for a while and conducted a customary fly by surveillance. We waited for a call on … Continued
Another 487 nautical mile to land. Although quite far when you think about it, land feels very close these days, with an increasing amount of albatrosses, petrels and whales around us. And, now that we escaped the ferocious gales in the North, you might even spot a pair of tropical birds on these more Southern … Continued
Each day of The Swim the crew cast a net off the side of the boat, not in the hopes of catching fish but to collect microplastics. When plastic enters our oceans, it doesn’t break down but rather breaks up into smaller fragments from the combination of exposure to the sun and waves. They’re a … Continued
Education, spreading awareness and collecting scientific data, sounds like 3 things completely related. And they are. But, as I experienced during The Swim when you want to reach the three of them at the same time, there are some difficulties or at least some differences to keep in mind. Focused on plastic pollution in the … Continued
My attitude towards plastic has drastically shifted during my time on The Swim. I joined the expedition not knowing much about ocean plastic aside from rumors that there’s a great Pacific garbage patch somewhere. Every Captain and mate laughed and told me that they had never seen a “plastic patch” crossing the Pacific or other … Continued
For the past few days, our focus has been on collecting samples and data, doing observation and progressing toward Hawaii. We still encountered squalls and had to change sails back and forth. Those squalls brought with them winds and rain with such intensity that it felt like the rain was horizontal and painful when it … Continued
Today is one of my saddest days ever. Gino, one of my closest friends died. I met him through this project 7 years ago when he asked me if he could meet me on a beach in Alabama to take some footage of my training. Like many others, Gino volunteered his time and expertise, he … Continued
Day 174-175 In the first two days, we experienced big swells coming from a huge low pressure system north of us that had travelled hundreds of miles to get to our location. But that didn’t affect us much. However, we frequently had to make sail changes because of squalls. They were coming and passing bringing … Continued
It has been 100 days since we left Yokohama the last time, this means that we have been at sea and not been on land for that long. It is a little odd to me because it doesn’t seem that long. I have lost all references of time, every day looks the same. There is … Continued
On day 169, we passed the dateline it was on November 19, and the following day it was still November 19th, we lived the same day twice. I spend my days at the helm, from sunrise to sunset. All day long I can only skim the surface of the ocean since I don’t swim and … Continued
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What a nice read! Thank you for sharing these memorable events in your life! Let’s hope for the best. You shall overcome whatever obstacle comes your way. Good luck!
I am hooked. Every day I excitedly read your post; thank you for taking the time for keeping us up to date. YES, you’ll be back in the ocean in a few hours…
Blessed be your journey!
Dear Ben and team, it is so inspiring what you are doing. It’s great to read your daily journals too. I wish you all the most wonderful, safe, successful journey. I will be following and supporting you all the way. I love our beautiful ocean and raising awareness of how we should respect and protect it is so incredibly important. Thank you for what you’re doing. I truly do admire what you are doing and your family must be so proud of you. The very best of luck to you all. Maria Brown (London, England)
Geat stuff! Reading here every day, its fantastic! Good luck getting swimming again and back on track!
Hallo Ben and Team,
good luck for the „re- start“ and naturally better weather conditions. A german triathlet is following you, unfortunately without good english skills. Stay strong and be focused. Good Job!!!!!
Dear Ben and team,thank you for sharing！
Tie down everything ! Even paul ! Love the inspiration and stories from the deep!
Good luck Ben / Team,
We will be waiting for you at the SF Bay to welcome you and congratulate the great accomplishment.