Hurricane Hilda and Halfway to Waikiki
Day: 40, Odometer: 1228M
Position: N25d48.0’ W138d01.2’
Distance from start: 1175M
Nearest land: Point Kumuhaki 1003M due 251T
Waikiki Yacht Club by my course: 1132M due WSW
RECORDS as running totals:
Solo career total in days at launch: 845 now 885
Overall career total in days at launch: 928 now 968
Solo career total in miles at launch: 27,595 now 28,823M
Overall career total in miles at launch: 31,083 now 32,311M
==> Ralph Tuijn (NL) leads last one with 35,635M
My numbers to be officially reviewed by Ocean Rowing Society once at Waikiki
Our shore team was closely monitoring the long range forecasts for a possible hurricane near the Gulf of Tehuantepec. The models were suggesting that it could spin due NW toward my location. All options were on the table; we were monitoring and have been ready for about 10 days by now.
That tropical storm did form and was named Hilda, it will advance to become a hurricane at about (15N W121W) today then turn NW toward me. GFS model suggests that it will reach my proximity; others say it will pass south of me. The models will converge in another 48-72 hours for a clearer picture. I summarized today’s 1800UTC (1300PST) National Hurricane Center forecast here. Each day’s position is at 1800UTC.
Today I have the 120 Hour (Aug 6) forecast. Monday Aug 7, so forth.
HURRICANE WARNING
Aug 1 Hurricane Hilda near 14.8N 120.8W
Aug 2 Hurricane Hilda near 15.8N 122.9W
Aug 3 Hurricane Hilda near 17.6N 124.6W
Aug 4 Tropical Storm Hilda near 19.6N 127.5W
Aug 5 Tropical Storm Hilda near 20.7N 131.6W
Aug 6 Post Tropical Remnant Low Hilda near 21.0N 135.5W — Maximum sustained winds 25kt gusts 35kt
UPDATE - Hurricane Hilda will wither. She is harmless now, and I will sleep better.
According to the report issued by National Hurricane Center valid as of 1800UTC (1100PST) today, Hurricane Hilda will wind down and run out of steam before it can jeopardize my row. It should be harmless by Aug 6.
Each day’s position is at 1800UTC. Aug 6 forecast will be about 400M SE of my approximate position on that day. Even closer, 25/35 is not threatening.
In other news, I am now past the halfway point between North America and Hawaii. Point Arguello west of Santa Barbara is no longer the closest land; that distinction now belongs to Point Kumuhaki at the SE corner of the big island of Hawaii. My ETA at Waikiki remains around Aug 25.
I also crossed the halfway mark on my entire course over ground on Friday, July 30. Looking at my trip odometer since my launch from Crescent City and the course that I will follow to Waikiki Yacht Club, the length of this first leg of my mainland to mainland Pacific crossing will total about 2,378 nautical miles. My distance to destination that remains is now less than what I already traveled. Looking at my suggested course to Hawaii, it is all downhill from here.
But its too soon to celebrate, just yet.
Erden.