Double X crew members Zack, Els and Captain Bob prepare to go under the Golden Gate Bridge, signaling the official start of our South Pacific Adventure. San Francisco Bay, July 16, 2016. Photo: R. Rehnborg

Off the central California coast on our way to Nuku Hiva (3,411 nautical miles from San Francisco to Nuku Hiva), and all we pulled out of the ocean was this piece of kelp! July 17, 2016. Photo: Z. Hanna

Sunset over the northeastern Pacific around the latitude of Nicaragua. July 2016. Photo: Z. Hanna

The same sunset taken a few minutes later. Just gorgeous! July 2016. Photo: Z. Hanna

Zack in action. A true professional. July 2016. Photo: R. Rehnborg.

From supplements to sailboats, we’re taking Double X around the world. July 2016. Photo: R. Rehnborg

The water temperature monitoring on board records warm waters of 87 degrees Fahrenheit, unusual for this region of the Pacific ocean. July 2016. Photo: R. Rehnborg

We saw some amazing sunsets and cloud formations while making the crossing. July 2016. Photo: R. Rehnborg

Some more incredible cloud formations. What do you see in the clouds? July 2016. Photo: R Rehnborg

It’s a sailing life. Sitting down for a bite to eat and enjoying some good conversation. July 2016. Photo: R. Rehnborg

One of the few boats seen. Photo: R Rehnborg

Wearing a bright orange colander adorned with clothes pins as my crown and holding a boat hook as my trident, I was fully prepared to be the official emissary of King Neptune, Ruler of the Sea, for our equator-crossing ceremony. July 31, 2016.

The polliwogs, Zack, Paul and Rod, rejoicing over becoming shellbacks, jump over the equatorial line. July 2016. Photo: R. Rehnborg

Made it! I can’t help but smile and flash a victory sign as we arrive at the islands, the first land we’ve seen after our wild 19-day Pacific ocean crossing. Nuku Hiva, August 2016. Photo: R. Rehnborg