Wanderlust 3 Sailing Adventure

Mike Harker Circumnavigates with Fischer Panda Genset

2008-04-22T17:31:00.007-04:00

The following is a Press Release by Fischer Panda -- TheSailingChannel.TV

In daredevil Mike Harker’s early days, he flew powerless craft to his near death. Now, the intrepid adventurer circles the globe through Fischer Panda power.

A native Californian, Harker, 60, always gravitated toward extreme sports on the water and in the air. He was a national water skiing champion at age 16 and 18. As a young adult, he pioneered early ‘70s hang-gliding development. In 1977, a terrifying glider accident thrust Harker into a 400-foot freefall, leaving him unconscious for a year and paralyzed from the knees down. Through multiple surgeries and arduous physical therapy, he persevered until he could walk again.

Despite his injuries, the bold world traveler learned to sail offshore on the California coast five years ago. Long-range sailing was a perfect fit for Harker’s career as an international sports photographer/cinematographer and sports legend. In no time, he began dreaming of circumnavigating the world alone.

In 2003, he sailed single-handedly across the Atlantic in a trial run for his yearlong expedition circling the globe launched in March 2006. In preparation for the 28,000-mile voyage, Harker sought the best equipment available. He purchased his third and largest Hunter sailboat, Wanderlust III, a 49-foot cruiser. Harker had visited the Hunter factory in Florida and knew from his two previous Hunters that the manufacturer utilized only proven equipment, like Fischer Panda generators.

He had heard about the reputation of Fischer Panda Generators as being the smallest, lightest, quietest and most efficient generator in the market. “These sailors would point out other boats and ask, ‘Do you realize there’s a generator going?’ It would be purring like a sewing machine. My previous one sounded like a tractor,” he said.

Harker is dependent on good equipment to go around the world. He said he has confidence in his Panda 12 DP because everything made in Germany is made with precision. “That’s why I chose a Fischer Panda Generator as an orderable option. I’m living off my generator. It has to perform without flaw.”
Left to right, Mike Harker, Jeff Till, Fischer Panda dealer and marine sales representative, and Chad Godwin, Fischer Panda marine sales and marketing manager, aboard Wanderlust III.

Harker doesn’t connect to shore power in foreign ports because his boat is wired for 120V American power and the voltages are not compatible. In order to re-supply his systems, Harker moors in a harbor and runs his Fischer Panda generator. “In three and a half hours and on less than a gallon of gas, I’m able to charge my batteries and fill my water tanks all while I’m watching a movie on my wide-screen TV. It’s vibrationless and noiseless – quite a luxury,” he remarked.

Don’t look for this over-achiever to take it easy for too long in his cabin. Next, Harker plans to solo sail Wanderlust III around the world in the opposite direction.

Chad Godwin, marine sales and marketing manager for Fischer Panda Generators, said his company is proud to be a part of Mike Harker’s journey. “Over the years, the continuously advancing technology of Fischer Panda Generators has increased our reliability and efficiency. Having the team of Mike Harker and Hunter Marine as a valued customer has been beneficial in learning what we can do to offer the best generator and support worldwide.”
Chad Godwin, marine sales and marketing manager for Fischer Panda (right), checks the installation of Mike Harker’s FP 12 DP Generator.

Fischer Panda has played a pioneering role in the design and manufacture of marine and vehicle generators for the past 30 years. In 1978 in Germany, Fischer Generators developed the quietest diesel generator in the world. That trend towards small, quiet and super efficiency was to continue, and in 1988, Fischer Generators added "Panda" to its brand and introduced its proprietary and water-cooled asynchronous electric plant. Fischer Panda U.S., which began operations in 1995, is located at 4345 NE 12 Terrace in Oakland Park, Florida. For more information, please call 954-462-2800 or access the company's web site at www.fischerpanda.com

By TheSailingChannel.TV

North Atlantic: Abacos, Bahamas

2008-03-25T09:34:00.005-04:00

Easter Sunday April 23
Abacos Bahamas

I am taking a well deserved rest after sailing around the world in under 11 months. I have decided to spend a month in the Abacos group of islands and Cays in the northern Bahamas.

My first stop was Little Harbor after entering the treacherous 'Little Harbor Cut' from the Atlantic Ocean. With 8-10 foot seas and 20 knots of SW winds the entrance is less than 100 feet across and less than 20 feet deep. Anything more than that is then what the locals call, a 'Rage Sea', and entrance is discouraged.

Once into the Cut and the Sea of Abaco, I tried to enter 'Little Harbor at High Tide. Even with high tide there was not enough depth for my deep keel and I touched ground in the middle of the narrow entrance. I had to anchor out off the beach for the night.

The next morning I continued up the shallow and sometimes narrow passage inside the reefs and Cays towards 'Marsh Harbor'. On the way I passed a grounded fishing boat and dropped my anchor for the night outside of Boat Harbor Marina on the south side of Marsh Harbor.

The next morning I went around the peninsula and entered Marsh Harbor itself, which is beautiful. There are a lot of cruising boats at anchor or tied to the docks of the 4 marinas. This is the "Hub of the Abacos" and most cruising is based here as well as the Moorings and Sunsail Charter Companies.

With only 6 feet of water to anchor at low tide, my 6' 8" deep keel is in the soft silt sand for about 2 hours twice a day. I will look for a spot maybe 1 foot deeper but I spent the Easter weekend anchored off the "Curly Tail Restaurant" named after the local Gecko variety.

This coming weekend three friends are coming for a visit and I have the huka and dive tanks ready. My good buddy Tom-the-Pilot and another friend Kimberely with her girl friend will spend a long 4 day weekend exploring the Man-O-War Cays and Hope Towne with me.

I'll take photos and report after they depart.

Mike Harker
s/v Wanderlust3

Strictly Sail Miami: Mike Harker Seminars

2008-02-13T11:24:00.004-05:00

If you plan to attend Strictly Sail in Miami, you won't want to miss Mike Harker's seminar: Sail Around the World!

If you've been following this photo weblog on TheSailingChannel.TV, you know that Mike is a truly courageous adventurer as well as a professional photographer and gifted storyteller. Mike has returned to the Strictly Sail Miami Boat Show, after completing his under-one-year circumnavigation, on the anniversary of his departure.

Join Mike for his inspiring, informative and entertaining (PG-13) slide show. You'll leave ready to plan your own circumnavigation!

WHERE:

Strictly Sail Miami at Bayside Marketplace - Seminar Tent A

WHEN:

Friday, Feb. 15th at 12 noon
Saturday, Feb. 16th at 5pm
Sunday, Feb. 17th at 5pm

SPONSORS:

Caribbean: Articles from Latitude 38 Magazine

2008-02-12T12:52:00.000-05:00

Mike is safely moored in Miami getting ready for the Miami Boat Show starting later this week. Here's are a couple of articles courtesy Latitude 38 Magazine about Mike as he sailed through the Caribbean to Miami.

February 4, 2008 - Matthew Town, Great Inagua, Bahamas

Right... Mike, legally a paraplegic, unsnarls his chute off St. Barth about a week ago when he still had 1,100 miles to go in order to complete Wanderlust 3's circumnavigation. Photo Latitude / Richard
© 2008 Latitude 38 Publishing Co., Inc.

Mike Harker of Manhattan Beach reports that he completed his circumnavigation with his Hunter Mariner 49 Wanderlust 3 yesterday ( in the Bahamas. (He'd completed his personal circumnavigation earlier in Antigua.)

Harker had hoped to "make it around" in 11 months, but did better than that, taking just 10 months and 23 days. As you'll read in our interview with him in the March issue, it's something he says that anyone with common sense could do.

To put Harker's trip in context, he took just 10 days longer than did Sir Robin Knox-Johnston when he won the first singlehanded, non-stop, around the world race with his Colin Archer Suhaili in 1969.

Not to mix apples and oranges, Knox-Johnston went around Cape Horn and never used his engine for propulsion. Harker, on the other hand, went around via the Panama Canal, and on occasion did use his engine to move the boat. On the other hand, Harker luxuriated in port about half the time, while Knox-Johnston never stopped. In addition, Harker's Wanderlust 3 is the picture of luxury — five electric winches, microwave, two flat screen televisions, full electronics — to Sir Robin's ultra-basic boat.

My, how the world of ocean sailing has changed.

Harker's boat will be on display and available for sailing at the Miami Boat Show, which starts of February 15.

- latitude / rs

January 28, 2008 – St. Barth, French West Indies

Left... Having set his unusual Parasailor2 spinnaker off St. Barth, Harker and his Hunter Mariner 49 make tracks for the Sizzler at San Juan, Puerto Rico. Photo Latitude / Richard © 2008 Latitude 38 Publishing Co., Inc.

Early this morning we took off in our dink to photograph Mike Harker of the Manhattan Beach-based Hunter Mariner 49 Wanderlust 3, as he set his Parasailor2 spinnaker to leave St. Barth for San Juan and, ultimately, 1,100-mile distant Miami. When he reaches Miami, he'll have completed an 11-month circumnavigation with the boat, which still had the paint drying when he took off. Harker completed his personal circumnavigation last week in Antigua, as he'd already done the Antigua to Miami leg with Wanderlust II, his Hunter 466.

Right...Energized by fresh fruits and veggies - and even an extremely rare glass of wine - Mike yucks it up with Lili Wolfson, a true rocket scientist, who is two years into a 12-year circumnavigation with her husband Steve aboard their exquisite Texas-based Hans Christian 48 Liward. Photo Latitude / Richard
© 2008 Latitude 38 Publishing Co., Inc.

Harker will be stopping in San Juan on his way to Miami, because from his previous sailing adventures he knows there's a Sizzler right near the dock, and they've got an all-you-can-eat salad bar. The thing he missed most while sailing was fresh salads and veggies. In fact, we took him to La Gamelle restaurant the other night so he could savor a Rasta Salad, which included lots of delicious fresh mangos, avocados, tomatoes, lettuce and the like. He loved it. In fact, he loved it considerably more than the fresh fish platter at Le Select the day before. He'd mistaken some ultra-hot sauce for ketchup, and darn near died when a sauce splattered piece of fish got caught in his throat. He was in such bad shape we were two seconds from calling for a doctor when he started breathing again. Harker swears it was the worst injury he's suffered on the circumnavigation.

We've got a great new interview with Mike for the March issue of Latitude that we think you'll enjoy. Just for kicks, here are a couple of highlights:

38: How much did the circumnavigation cost you?

Mike: Besides the boat and gear, almost nothing. I'm a cheapo.

38: What were your three favorite stops?

Mike: The Galapagos Islands, the Whitsundays in Australia and St. Barth.

He loved the Galapagos for the wildlife, the Whitsundays for the great people, and St. Barth for, among other things, the beautiful women on the beach.

Left... Harker celebrated his circumnavigation with a sail aboard a 54-ft catamaran to Ile Fourchue, where he had probably his fifth glass of wine in 60 years. He's vowed to returned to the Caribbean for six months next winter.
Photo Latitude / Richard © 2008 Latitude 38 Publishing Co., Inc.

Having completed a rapid circumnavigation, you can imagine that Harker is ready to take a break from sailing. Er, not quite. He'll spend this summer giving presentations every other week at Hunter dealers or yacht clubs from Florida to Maine. Next winter he'll be back sailing around the Caribbean for six months. He'll follow that up with an Atlantic crossing to the Med, where he's looking particularly forward to Croatia, the Black Sea, and Turkey. Then he'll head down the Red Sea and across the Indian Ocean to Thailand. After a few months there, he'll work his way up to Japan, cross to California, and get ready for the '11 Ha-Ha.

If you don't think he'll do it, you don't know Mike — who, by the way, thanks to injuries received in a terrible hang-gliding accident many years ago, is legally classified as a parapalegic.

- latitude / rs

Miami Marina - Fire!

2008-02-08T10:39:00.000-05:00

I had just completed sailing around the world from Miami Marina back to Miami Marina in 11 months when the boat next to mine explodes and catches FIRE!

I was sitting in "HOOTERS" restaurant having a burger and watching the sights out the window towards my boat when an explosion, flames and a lot of smoke blocked my view of my boat.

I jumped up (as best I could) and got on my folding 'boat bike' to ride back to my boat.

The Sheriff and 6 fire trucks wouldn't let anyone through.

I explained that it could be MY boat so a sheriff accompanied me to my boat through about 50 firemen in gear.

I could see MY boat was OK but the boat next to mine, with two empty slips between, was being broken apart and doused with water. A man died and another was injured.

Welcome back to Miami!

Mike Harker
s/v Wanderlust3

N. Atlantic: Circumnavigation!

2008-02-05T18:14:00.000-05:00

Sunday Feb 3 2008 4 pm (FL) 20* 57' 45" N X 073* 40' 73" W

On March 15, 2007 I left the little 200ft x 200ft harbor of Matthew Town on Great Inagua Bahamas for Jamaica, San Blas and Panama.

This afternoon I arrived back in the same bay I left 11 months ago, or exactly 10 months and 23 days to circumnavigate the world!

The new Hunter 49 "WanderLust 3" and I are officially "CIRCUMNAVIGATORS" having been one lap around our globe.

With the advantage of constant trade winds and a fast boat, I am about one week ahead of schedule into Miami.

The Miami Boat Show starts on Thursday 14 Feb. I will be in the Mia Marina on Feb 7 or 8.

I will leave here tomorrow for the 450 miles into Miami via the "Old Bahama Channel" along the north edge of Cuba

Since San Juan Puerto Rico I have been receiving Sirius Sat Radio and 'MargaritaVille with 'Super Bowl Sunday'.

Mike Harker
'WanderLust 3'
Hunter 49 BOTY

N. Atlantic: Anchor Down - San Juan, PR

2008-01-31T15:18:00.000-05:00

I Had an early lunch at "Mamacita's" on the small island of Culebra then left for the north coast of Puerto Rico.

The winds and swell are strong Northerly, so it was a rough ride up to the pass.

But once I got around the top of the NE corner of Puerto Rico, I could head more Westerly and along the swell.

The wind was NE 20 knots and was on the beam most of the way which causes some uncomfortable heeling.

I averaged 7.5 knots and an at anchor right in front of the "Sizzler steak house" which is known for the terrific salad bar. Photos: Mike in Culebra.

Mike Harker
S/V Wanderlust3

North Atlantic: Antigua to St. Barts

2008-01-25T18:34:00.000-05:00

Just at sunset I left English Harbor and sailed along the east coast of Antigua towards St. Barts. I should arrive mid morning.

I will meet with Richard Spindler (Publisher Latitude 38 Magazine) and stay one night in Gustava.

I got my impeller pump replaced but could NOT fix the F-P generator nor do I have a reserve alternator. Hunter sent a reserve alternator on Thursday 'overnight' but it will not arrive until Sat and they don't deliver until Monday.

I left without a replacement alternator and hope my provisional repair and re-wire holds until I get into Miami. I have only the Balmar alternator on the Yanmar engine to charge batteries, but I am confident in my own repair and trust it will hold.

I will keep a running log each day.

Mike
S/V Wanderlust 3
BOTY

Antigua: English Harbor - Anchor Down!

2008-01-21T18:00:00.000-05:00

With 35 - 40 knots of wind, rain and lightning all around for 5 hours, I could not see land within 10 miles of Antigua.

5 miles from English Harbor, the sky turned blue and the sun came out! What a terrible welcome, storm and lightning windward of the French Islands of Martinique and Guadalupe.

I don't get along with the French anyway and a little storm and lightning won't change my appraisal of the French. All the better to be welcomed by sunshine and happy people.

The entrance to English Harbor was so dangerous that I went around the corner to Falmouth Harbor where all the 'Super-Yachts' park.

I will go back to English Harbor after the storm.

Tomorrow the Yanmar mechanic comes aboard with new parts and I will have internet to send out some photos.

Mike Harker
WanderLust 3
Hunter 49 BOTY

North Atlantic: Position Report

2008-01-16T17:51:00.000-05:00

Wed 16 Jan 09:00 UT
10* 10' N X 47*10' W

I am 900 miles SE of Antigua and now that I am in the Trade Winds I am making better than expected progress.

The winds are weak, 10 -12 knots from the ENE, but I have the main up to second reef and the stay-sail down wind, but I have the Genoa out into the wind on the Selden Graphite pole giving me the "Wing-on-Wing" effect so that I can maintain 7 knots.

At this rate I will be at anchor in Antigua in 5 days. I may be just in time for the famous "Steel Band Sunday Afternoon Party" at Shirley Heights. At any rate I am ahead of schedule.

I only run the engine in neutral at idle, about 900 - 1000 rpms, just to top off the batteries for 3 hours a day. Because I do not have the use of my F-P generator, I can only charge the battery system with the engine alternator, and it is re-wired provisionally just to get me into port.

Needless to say, I am doing everything cautiously, I can not afford another breakdown, I have no reserves. But I am sailing well, fast and smooth.

The GRIB weather files show the wind and weather to be constant for the next week, typical trade winds, and I am happy to be in them.

Mike Harker
WanderLust 3
Hunter 49 "BOTY"

Atlantic: Crossing the Equator

2008-01-11T19:44:00.000-05:00

00* 00' S/N Latitude, the Equator. This afternoon at 30* 00' W Longitude, I crossed the equator.

That ends 10 months of Southern Hemisphere cruising.

I originally crossed from N to S near Ecuador in South America. I then sailed in the South Pacific, Tasman Sea, Coral Sea, Timor Sea, Southern Indian Ocean, South Africa and finally the South Atlantic.

I am now back in the North Atlantic Ocean from where I started, March 15, in the Miami.

My next waypoint is 2200 miles in the Caribbean Sea, Antigua. I have sailed to Antigua 3 different times.

When I anchor in English Harbor again, I will have crossed my own route on the world map for my own personal circumnavigation!

That was half with the Hunter 46, 'WanderLust 2", and this half with the new Hunter 49, 'WanderLust 3'.

When I get the H-49 back to Miami in 3 weeks, We will both celebrate our "Around-the-Globe" circumnavigation!

I am making good time despite the fact that I am sailing and motoring VERY cautiously so as not to damage my provisional repairs.

In just under one week I made the 1100 mile voyage from Ascension to my waypoint on the equator, which keeps my yearly average above 1000 miles a sailing week.

6 - knots average speed
x 24 - hours in a day = (144 miles)
x 7 - days in a week = (1008 miles)

I have been averaging over 7 knots a week = (168 x 7 = 1176 miles)

I once averaged 1398 miles in a week = 200 miles a day!

The wind is a constant 8 - 12 knots from SE. I am sailing at 300 degrees NW, so that is exactly 'downwind'.

I have been sailing with the Parasailor for 4 straight days and nights, only adjusting to wind direction once or twice a day.

I expect -0- wind for a few hundred miles when I get into the "Doldrums".

They lie around 3 - 6 degrees N latitude, so I will run the engine and the main sail at second reef to keep the boat from rolling so much.

As a celebration when I crossed the equator, I showered on the stern step, then shaved my beard and head with the electric razor trimmer at position #1.

It will all grow back in a couple of weeks.

My schedule looks good. 2200 miles to Antigua puts me there 24 Jan, St Barts 28 Jan. 1200 miles to Miami puts me in Miami Feb 9 or 10. The boat show starts Feb 12.

Mike Harker
WanderLust 3
Hunter 49
www.H-TV.com

South Atlantic: Ascension Island

2008-01-03T10:17:00.000-05:00

Jan 2, 2008 5 pm Ascension Island, South Atlantic

After getting 400 liters of diesel fuel at the military base on Ascension Island, I left after 4 hours for Antigua. Ascension was not really worth the stop! There is nothing here worth seeing, the facilities are terrible and the people are not even nice. And no working internet!

There are less than 1000 people here and over 90% are with the US or English military or their families. I do not recommend a stop for anything but fuel, and that is almost torture. You have to anchor way out and get down your own dingy, there are no ferry boats. The 'pier' is not protected from the swell and it was running 10 feet.

You have to time your landing with the up swell, grab a hanging rope and jump out of your dingy with the painter onto the piece of concrete slap. There are no taxis and the fuel station is 2 miles up in the hills. I have eight 20 liter jerry cans! I finally walked up into the 'Town' but it only has about a dozen buildings.

I was able to talk a young military guy with his pickup truck into taking me up to the fuel station. He was very nice and helpful, from Virginia! You can only imagine how difficult it was to get the 8 full jerry cans back into the dingy, with a 10 foot swell running, and that 3 different times!

Antigua is my next stop, about 3300 miles NNE. I am predicting about 3 weeks. I have to sail and motor cautiously because of the 3 temporary repairs I have done myself. The Yanmar engine has a leak in the salt water impeller pump I fixed with a screw and some 5200 sealant, the Balmar alternator had to be re-wired to by-pass the regulator, and the Fischer-Panda generator does not turn on power because I got some salt water on the mother board from the water leak.

When I cross the equator into the North Atlantic in 1000 miles, I expect to get into the "Doldrums", a band of weather 500 miles wide with NO WIND! I expect to motor sail. That is the reason I stopped inn Ascension, to fill up all my reserves of diesel fuel. It would be the only reason I would recommend stopping there to anyone else.

Mike Harker
s/v Wanderlust3

Atlantic: Water Leak

2008-01-02T16:52:00.000-05:00

On his way to St. Helena, Mike ran into a bit of problem. Here is his story. --TSCtv.

I was really worried when the "High Water" alarm went off. I hurried down the stairs to look in the bilge and when I saw the water up to the floorboards, I shouted "Oh my God, I'm sinking!!!!"

The first thing I did was shut off the engine, then I went around to close ALL the through-hull seacocks. I went back to the manual bilge pump and started pumping out the sea water, but it was too slow. I then got out my hand pump and buckets and pumped the bilge water into the buckets and threw the water overboard. With most of the water overboard I went around looking for leaks.

When I lifted the engine cover, there was dried salt all around the alternator area and a water stream coming up into the alternator from somewhere under it. I took down the stairs and laid them in the forward cabin, then took off the engine cover to get to the alternator. After removing the alternator, I found the leak.

A steady stream about the force of a kid peeing was coming up out of the salt water impeller pump. Not from the two hose connections on the pump, but from the curve of the metal casing of the pump itself.

Now what do I do, I have to stop the leak? I got out the Yanmar book and found the page where it shows the impeller pump connection into the intercooler. I unscrewed the drain plug from the intercooler to drain all the water from above the pump, that stopped the water flowing from the leak. How do I plug or fill the hole?

I thought of screwing a stainless self-taping screw into the hole, then surrounding the screw with 5200 sealant. That seemed to work. I rinsed off most of the salt from the exterior of the engine around the leak area and got out my reserve spare Balmar alternator I bought just for such emergencies.

I pulled out the old alternator and laid it out on the floor with all wires showing. I put the new alternator next to it, then started exchanging wire connections. I could see the salt covering the interior of the old alternator. I put the new alternator on with a new drive belt and tried to start the engine. It would turn over but would NOT start. I ran the battery down trying, so I went to start the Fischer-Panda generator, but the remote switch would not even light.

I was in trouble! No engine, no generator, no wind to sail and a leak in my boat in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean a thousand miles from any land, half-way between Brazil and Africa. The only civilization was the island of St. Helena, about 500 miles north of me. That is where the British interned Napoleon after he lost at Waterloo. That was the most distant place from any other land on earth they could find.

I got out the SAT phone and called Hunter Customer Service. Then I called you (Greg Emerson of Hunter Marine). You were terrific. You got me in a conference call with your specialist, Joe Kerr, then with the Yanmar distributor and finally Fischer-Panda. Somehow, with about 300 minutes of SAT phone time, Karl from Yanmar finally found a way for me to start the engine after other attempts failed.

With the engine running, there was no charge power from the Balmar alternator. A SAT phone call to Dale English of Balmar in Texas got the right man. He talked me through re-wiring the alternator to by-pass the regulator and, with 2 pieces of wire and some crimp connections, I was able to use the internal regulator.

After 2 days of drifting in the South Atlantic, I finally had the leak fixed and the engine running. At just above idle, not to overwork the alternator, I was able to bring back charge to my depleted battery bank of 900 amps, down to only 110 amps left. I had to use my Honda generator to keep the start batteries charged, but that worked fine.

After 3 days of slow motoring, I was able to drop anchor in Jamestown Bay, St. Helena on the day before Christmas. I was relieved. "Ann's Place" offered all the sailing cruisers a get-together Christmas dinner for free, just bring your own booze. I brought the gallon jug of aged Panamanian rum a guest had left aboard to the party. That was a hit! I e-mailed all the contacts you gave me but I only got replies back saying "Closed for the holidays, will be back in the office after Jan 2."

Because St. Helena does NOT have an airport to fly parts into, I left yesterday for the island of Ascension, about 700 miles distant. There is a small contingent of US and English military communication experts there, but not much else. But Ascension does have an airport. If I think I need to stop and get a replacement impeller pump and alternator-regulator flown in, I will. That could take days, if not weeks. Remember the 3 week wait for a new alternator in Galapagos?

If my alternator keeps charging and the impeller pump leak I repaired still holds, I think I will continue to Antigua where they have both a Yanmar and Fischer-Panda mechanic and get all three repairs done professionally. However, that is over 4000 miles with no working generator, an amateur repair job on the pump leak and a re-wired provisional repair to the alternator/regulator. It will be a risk!But I really want to get to Miami for the Boat Show. A delay in Ascension waiting for parts would put a Miami arrival in time for the boat show out of reach.

Mike Harker

s/v Wanderlust3

Tuesday Jan 1 - Happy New Year!

I am 170 miles from Ascension, and will arrive at daybreak tomorrow. My primitive repairs are holding and working well. I will leave Ascension after getting fuel. It is 3300 miles to English Harbor Antigua. When I arrive in 3-4 weeks, it will be my personal circumnavigation. From there it should be less than 2 weeks to Miami by way of Tortola BVI and above Nassau. I am on schedule for an arrival on Feb 12 into Miami. Let's hope everything runs as well as it is.

Atlantic: Depart St. Helena

2007-12-29T12:43:00.000-05:00

I left St. Helena with full fuel headed for Ascension Island.

I may stop there in 700 miles, about 4 days or just continue on to Antigua, about 4000 miles and 3-4 weeks.

I will write when I get time.

Mike
s/v Wanderlust3

St. Helena Island Christmas Photos:

Check out Wanderlust 3 in the upper right-hand corner of the anchorage.

Atlantic: Mike Harker Arrives at St. Helena

2007-12-23T18:03:00.000-05:00

We received the following email from Mike Harker:

I am in St. Helena now. They do NOT have an airport here, too steep! I will try to take the impeller pump off the engine and have it 'brazed' here. I will try to make it to Antigua (4000 miles) and have Yanmar fix it there. The Internet is VERY slow here and NO pictures!

Wish me luck!
Mike Harker

Mike, a Merry Christmas, a Very Happy New Year, and a Safe Voyage from TheSailingChannel.TV

Atlantic: Enroute to St. Helena

2007-12-18T17:45:00.000-05:00

Date: 2007/12/17 17:17:10

I am 800 miles from St. Helena and expect to be there the day before Christmas. I will try to buy fuel and e-mail a photo of WanderLust in the bay.

My plan is to sail straight down the trade winds to Antigua. That will be my personal point of circumnavigation as I came in there from Europe on the H-46.

I will stay out in the trade winds to BVI, that way I stay out of shipping charter traffic. The route will take me north of the Turks & Caicos and above Nassau, Bahamas where I will cross the Gulf Stream into Fort Lauderdale or Miami, depending on my time of arrival.

My plan is to get into Miami MiaMarina a week or a few days before the Boat show starts. I want to take down sails and have them patched and cleaned before taking people out on Discover Sailing.

Mike Harker
s/v Wanderlust 3

Atlantic Ocean: WL3 Departs Cape Town, S.A.

2007-12-13T10:01:00.000-05:00

On December 11th, Mike departed Cape Town, South Africa aboard Wanderlust3 bound for Antigua with his final destination, the Miami Boat Show in Mid Februrary. We'll keep you informed of his progress.

Look for Mike's article on navigation, "Paper or Plastic?" in the February 2008 issue of SAIL magazine and check out sailmag.com...

South Atlantic: Cape Point

2007-12-05T17:23:00.000-05:00

12/05/07
WanderLust and I crossed from the Indian Ocean into the South Atlantic Ocean at Cape Point.

I am now back in the Atlantic ocean from where I started my Around-the-Globe Voyage. I only have 6500 sea miles to go.

Mike Harker
s/v Wanderlust 3

See Wkipedia.

Indian Ocean: Durban. South Africa

2007-11-28T20:44:00.000-05:00

11/22/07
I am being treated like a celebrity here in Durban. The ROYAL Natal Yacht Club has given me the best spot on their docks, font row center, and last night I gave my presentation in their Media Tent.

The Media Tent only had about 60 seats but over 100 people showed up for Standing Room Only at the back of the tent. There was a tremendous response and the evening went for 2 hours with questions and my answers. More than 2 dozen people came aboard my boat today, some interested in buying a new model, maybe even a Hunter now that they see how well they sail in Blue Water.

At the same time last evening, the mayor was giving his welcome speech to the Clipper-Round-the-World fleet in another Yacht Club, so the Clipper organizers have asked that I give another Encore presentation for their participants tonight. Of course I will.

The weather is atrocious at the moment with lightning and strong rains with SW winds over 30 knots. That is the direction I need to sail to get around the "Cape odf Good Hope" with Port Elizabeth my next stop at 300 miles.

I hope the weather changes by Saturday, then I'm off towards Cape Town.

11/23/07
Currently the most famous sailor is Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. He was the very first single-handed non-stop circumnavigator. This year, at age 68, he competed in the Single-Hand Around the World Race Vendee-Globe and placed in a respectable position.

Sir Robin heard about my venture and asked to come aboard WanderLust for a Look-See as he called it. Sir Robin's comment was, "Now this is the way to sail around the world".
Photo: Amateur-Novice Mike with Famous Sailor Sir Robin

11/27/07
The Famous East London Yacht Club shack in the lower left. I am rafted to 3 other sailboats heading around to Cape Town next week.

I am leaving today.

Mike Harker

Indian Ocean: Safe Arrival in Durban, S.A.

2007-11-19T10:21:00.000-05:00

ALL,

I finally made it into Durban South Africa by way of Richard's Bay. The wind and waves were very strong from the direction I was heading so I had to pull into Richard's Bay early. It is 8o miles north of Durban.

After waiting 2 days for the weather to change for the better, I sailed the 8o miles in 8 hours, sailing at 8.5 knots with a 3,5 knot positive current, I was 12 -12.5 knots over-the-ground for 8 hours.

The famous "Clipper Race" boats are here this week. I will show my slide presentation tomorrow night.. I will report on how that went in 2 days.

Mike Harker
s/v Wanderlust 3

Indian Ocean: Safe Arrival in Richards Bay, S.A.

2007-11-16T09:59:00.000-05:00

16 November 2007
7:11AM EST

TheSailingChannel has just leaned that Mike Harker made safe land fall in Richards Bay about 80 NM north of Durban. Here is the message from Dave in Durban:

I have just received a Sat Phone call from him. He is safe in Richards Bay, 80nm North of Durban. He has been battling against strong SW and ran very low on fuel, hence going into Richards Bay. He intends departing on Sunday, for Durban.

Regards
Dave

Indian Ocean: Port Louis to Durban, S.A.

2007-11-16T09:09:00.000-05:00

November 8, 2007

As of 5 pm today, my second full day at sea (48 hours), I am 380 miles SW of Port Louis.

I am able to average 6.5 knots with light winds. I motor-sail when the speed gets under 4.5 knots. The grib file shows 10-14 knots of wind from the north for the next 2 days, good for my direction.

I am 380 miles from my waypoint at the SW corner of Madagascar - halfway - which is 150 M off the S coast. That position is 27* 00' S X 47* 00' E.

My position is 23* 29' X 53* 00'.

The weather looks good on the grib until then.

********

November 10, 2007

I have made the turn from SW to W under Madagascar and am now headed directly for Durban.
It is less than 900 miles, so in less than a week I will be in, if the weather holds.

The winds are strong (20 - 25 knots N) and I am reefed down to third reef in the main, 3/4 staysail and 1/4 genoa for balance.

I am sailing at 7.5 knots. The seas are 8-12 feet and rising from the North.

I expect the weather to be similar but I'm not sure after 2 more days. It may change for the worse, but I have to take what comes.

I have been asked, and accepted, Dave Claxton's request to do my 1 hour photo presentation at their famous Yacht Club. He heard about the success of the Sydney Boat Show presentations from other South Africans in Sydney and asked me. I will do the presentation in 1 week from tonight, just after I arrive in Durban.

********

November 13, 2007

I will arrive in Durban South Africa in 3 days.

Sunday evening the 'Royal Natal Yacht Club' has invited me to give my photo presentation. This is "Clipper Week" in Natal, the harbor of Durban, and will be crowed with sailors from all over.

My original schedule had me leaving Cape Town early December. I will be able to make that departure.

I will then be in the Atlantic Ocean with St. Helena and the Caribbean between me and Miami.

I will sail the South Atlantic alone. It is 6500 miles and I average 1000 miles or more a week. With 8 weeks, that gives me reserves.

I would like to have someone sail with me from Puerto Rico to Miami along the north side of Cuba along the 'Old Bahama Channel'. That leg has a lot of traffic and complicated routes. I won't be able to sleep if I am alone and as such could be dangerous.

Mike Harker
s/v Wanderlust 3

Indian Ocean: Arrival in Port Louis, Mauritius

2007-11-06T16:24:00.000-05:00

11/03/07
Port Louis, Mauritius

I arrived in Port Louis this morning after crossing the Indian Ocean in less than 2 weeks from Cocos.

However, there is a storm brewing south of Madagascar with 50 -60 knots winds.

I was going to stay here only 2 nights just to catch up on some needed rest. but now I am going to wait for the storm to pass south of me and Madagascar before heading for Durban South, Africa.

That may be 4 or 5 more days but I think it is worth the time in order not to risk anything. I like my boat and what I'm doing, so I don't want to ruin it by rushing into a storm.

Mike Harer
s/v Wanderlust 3