Crossing the Pacific Ocean, Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (Calico Skies Sailing, Ep 228)

Calico Skies Sailing takes on the Pacific Ocean’s Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) during their thrilling voyage from Mexico to French Polynesia. Join them as they share insights into navigating volatile weather conditions, and managing both sail and motor power in this captivating episode.

Sailing Through the ITCZ

In Episode 228 of Calico Skies Sailing, Captain Bill and Grace find themselves deep within the treacherous Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone, navigating squalls, unpredictable winds, and trying to stay on course. With a week out at sea already under their belts and another 13 days until reaching French Polynesia, the duo must utilize every trick of the trade to maintain progress.

The Strategy

To avoid damage from potential wind shifts and sudden squalls, Bill and Grace decide to motor through the ITCZ instead of relying on sail power. They carry a substantial fuel reserve for this specific purpose – reducing their exposure time within the Zone’s volatile weather.

Navigating Squalls

The ITCZ is marked by strong squalls, making navigation challenging. While filming the experience, they share their struggle with keeping control of the boat and avoiding potential lightning strikes. Their primary goal during this time was to stay safe while minimizing risk.

Catching a Big Wahoo

During their journey, Bill and Grace land an enormous wahoo fish weighing approximately 40 pounds. They share the process of preparing and cooking the delicious fish onboard while enduring strong winds and squalls.

Surviving Onboard

In addition to battling challenging weather, maintaining supplies is crucial for long-term sailing. Bill and Grace show how they ration food while dealing with perishables in the limited fridge space onboard.

Finding Motivation

Mentally, staying motivated during such a long journey is equally important. Grace shares how she supports Bill when he gets tired, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie on their voyage.

An Incredible Catch

The wahoo fish caught during this episode turned out to be a particularly large and tasty addition to their diet. The team marinated it, seared it, and paired it with pasta and zucchini for an exquisite meal.

Risk Management

Safety is always a top priority on Calico Skies Sailing. In this episode, we see how they carefully assess the risks and make decisions that will ensure their journey’s continuation and maintain the well-being of their team.

The Outcome

The episode concludes with Calico Skies Sailing successfully traversing through the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone. Despite the hardships, they’ve managed to gain valuable knowledge and experience during their journey.

Further Inspiration

If you’re fascinated by this incredible story, consider following Calico Skies Sailing on YouTube for more captivating episodes like this one.