The Galen Diana

July29, 2014
We are on week six on this expedition and have seemed to adjust to this way of life in a short period of time.

The endless rocking and sway that never goes away is somehow mute aside from the occasional unexpected wave that broadsides and throws us off balance below deck. Topside it is if we are still and unaffected by the continuous motion. I sleep in the V-berth and love the motion of the ocean until we are beating the wind and seas and I
find myself bouncing from top to bottom and side to side.

That’s when I retire to the main salon of aft cabins. Provisions are holding strong due to my amazing wife who managed that program. Outside of being out of snacks and cereals due to a select few who don’t realize that on long voyages one does not consume like it is a Las Vegas buffet, we still have plenty to keep us eating without much compromise. Pizza, Pastas, fresh fish catch, steaks, chops and breakfast meats and hash brown potatoes. Don’t forget that I taught Billy and British Dave the art of preparing American pancakes which are now a morning ritual between the two. (Goodbye maple syrup)…

We have our eyes on the charts for Hawaii but have several obligations left prior to the Great Pacific Race. The other day we came across these two boys rowing looking so French, then later we came across four lasses taking on the high seas. We gave our hellos and snapped some shots and video then left them to continue their quest. Looking back I never realized when I began preparation for this role that I would become not only a Captain of the vessel, but a cook, professional photographer, videographer, aid to a University study and coach.

I love this job, but miss my wife…
~Captain Rod Mayer, Out.

(From 22Jul14)

“It was beautiful today somewhere near Lat 23 / Long 137. Flat seas and
glassy. Sunny around 78-80f, sea 75F.
Getting a tan and getting fit. I think this is my thing…
To my wife -xoxo”

~Captain Rod

We have to track the race without internet therefore I have to plot the team
positions off lat/long coordinates off daily uploads provided by the race
director. 

Yesterday we caught a small Dorado that fed us all. No canned food that
night for dinner. Very tasty! American Dave has the best marinade to BBQ
fish. 

Everyone is well. We hit some doldrums today so we went for a swim and found
netting tangled on our prop. Billy and I went under, Billy cut and I filmed
video. Beautiful blue water out here. 

We are all well and miss our family and friends. Conversations revolve
around what we will be doing once we get to the islands. We still have more
important work to do on this expedition but within the next three weeks we
are looking forward to being in Hawaii as the next support vessel picks up
where we leave off …
~Captain Rod Mayer-out.

From Captain Rod:

“This is a wahoo. Not sure why its called that other than you shout “WAHOO!!” as it jumps and runs.

Tough fight!

I think we have enough for weeks. At least 40 pounds, it looks like a cross from a barracuda and tuna. We are BBQ-ing tonight.”

NOMAN photo shoot and now we are off to find more rowers somewhere in the middle of the great pacific…

Hello to my family and friends.I miss you and think about good times to come when I get home in September. Also British Dave, American Dave and Bristol Billy say hello to their family and friends…we are safe, happy and sailing.Oh SHIT,we just caught a Marlin…got 2 go.
~Captain Rod Mayer

After days of mostly cloudy, cold weather and several squalls, British Dave
brings us a rainbow and sunshine. Thanks D.S.
~Capt. Rod Mayer

July 10, 2014 we have been on the high seas now for 17 days.

Normally sailing from Monterey to Hawaii would take only 12-14 days (on this boat).

We are back in warm Lat/Long again after sailing back to the pack a few days
ago. Sea temp 76.9F and air 70-80F. Water so blue and so many shades
depending on the sky. Never seen anything like this on this boat.

Our 50lb Albacore has been officially consumed. Time to go fishing again soon. For now Billy is making homemade chili today and the boat smells like heaven. We have not been subject to canned goods so far and have been eating well with a variety of great entrees.

We have seen a variety of weather thus far. From squalls blowing 35 kts with a downpour of rain to mild light rain to sunny
days and moonlit nights.

This is truly a magical place.

I’m sure the rowers feel the same way about all that. Aside from the flying fish that seem to be everywhere, not a lot of sea life to observe outside of Monterey.

There are tons of flying fish. Baby ones fly in huge numbers like they are in school learning to fly. Billy asked if they would be called a flock since they fly. He has a good sense of humor.

I almost took an adult flyer in the back of the head. They seem to end up on deck a lot and they smell of fish cologne. The Daves (British Dave and American Dave I call them) have been steadfast on the helm which has made it nice for me to run things around here that need attention.

We are running down wind to catch up with one of the rowing teams. We love downwind because it means BBQ and we grill a lot…

Today started with a spectacular sunrise and sun. I pulled a water sample for the University of Hawaii which I agreed to participate with their study by providing water samples within five (5) longitudes between the mainland and HI. Pretty cool stuff and happy to help. Living with four guys who have never met before has actually been a pleasure. You never know what to expect but this dynamic is working and we all have found our place within the chain of command and kindness within.

I love this job.

Not really a job though, more of a passion put into play to add to my personal growth and
achievement.

Why talk about it. Just do it I say. And… I’m doing it.
~Capt. Rod Mayer – out.