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Double X crew poses for a final group photo before taking off for the first (and longest leg) of the journey. Sausalito, Calif., July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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Double X moored at Schoonmaker Point Marina, Sausalito, Calif., July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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Crew member Paul on the deck of the Double X, preparing for the Pacific Ocean crossing later in the day. Sausalito, Calif., July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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A propeller sits atop the sturdy shaft for the Watt & Sea® hydrogenerator attached to the Double X stern. It will generate renewable energy to help meet the boat’s electrical demands while under sail. Sausalito, Calif., July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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Decked out in her visor, sunglasses, buff and hoodie, Els is ready for the blustery weather on the morning of the official departure to the South Seas. Sausalito, Calif., July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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Family members are all smiles as they wish crew member Zach and the rest of the Double X crew a safe passage across the Pacific Ocean. Sausalito, Calif. July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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Dinah gives her son Zach one last hug before he climbs aboard the Double X for the 3-week ocean passage to Nuku Hiva in the South Seas. It’s a moment mothers worldwide know well: Be safe, my sweet son. Sausalito, Calif., July 16, 2016. L. Williams
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I can’t help but smile with Rod by my side for the crossing. He’s looking very much at home as we pose on deck, father and son together and ready for the adventure to begin. Sausalito, Calif., July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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A big farewell hug from Lisa with warm wishes and a healthy side of caution as she tells me, “Have an amazing trip, Dad, but please be safe!” Schoonmaker Point Marina, Sausalito, Calif., July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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One final hug before we rendezvous in the South Pacific in three weeks. Sausalito, Calif. July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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Paul pulls up the ladder signaling that the beginning of the journey is near. Sausalito, Calif., July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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Captain Bob at the helm instructing the crew as the Double X heads out of the marina. Sausalito, Calif., July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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With arms stretched, Francesca’s dear friend arrives just in time to wish us a fond farewell. Sausalito, Calif., July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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Els and Zach are all business untying the boat from the dock as the captain signals it’s time to depart for the South Pacific. Sausalito, Calif., July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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Yours truly, grinning ear to ear, as we say goodbye to family and friends on the dock while departing from Schoonmaker Point Marina for the first official leg of the South Pacific journey. Sausalito, Calif., July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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We’re off! Double X and crew depart from Sausalito. July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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Members of the Land Crew wait on the Marin Headlands to watch the Double X sail underneath the Golden Gate Bridge. July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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With camera at the ready, land crew member Erika braces against the wind atop the Marin Headlands, eager to get the perfect shot of the Double X as she sails under the Golden Gate Bridge below on departure day. Marin Headlands, Calif., July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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With bon voyage banners in hand, Lisa keeps an eye on the Golden Gate Bridge for signs of the Double X, ready to unroll the banners at first sighting. Marin Headlands, July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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Lisa and Francesca video chat with Koral to fill her in on the day’s activities. Although far away, Koral was sending much love for our safe travels. Marin Headlands, July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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Francesca is joined by lifelong friends from high school to wait on the Marin Headlands to cheer on the Double X crew. July 16, 2016.
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The Double X approaches the Golden Gate Bridge, signaling the officially beginning of the journey. A helicopter with camera mounted on the nose hovers just above the boat to record the day’s event. San Francisco, Calif., July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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Francesca and other well-wishers hold bon voyage banners atop the Marin Headlines for the Double X crew to see as they sail under the Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco, Calif., July 16, 2016. Photo: L. Williams
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The Double X as seen from the vantage point of the helicopter after passing beneath the Golden Gate Bridge. San Francisco, Calif., July 16, 2016. Photo: C. Woods
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Kathleen and Lorna atop the Marin Headlands, bracing against the wind to wish the Double X crew a final bon voyage as they sail under the Golden Gate Bridge. As land crew members, they will be in touch with me and the Double X crew and post updates and photos on the blog throughout the journey. Photo: E. Nungaray
