Yesterday saw the Hyas yiem take to the water for the first time. I’ll admit, I had a certain amount of trepidation before the sea trials began, but I’m feeling a lot better about it all now. There turned out to be plenty of floatation – two paddlers with gear will not be a problem – and she was remarkably maneuverable, handled the wind tolerably well and can be paddled in the seated, kneeling or standing positions. Steve got the whole thing all on film and although it may be a while before that film gets worked, it will be done eventually.

This is as good a time and place to put out some thanks to those who helped to make a successful launch happen: Adam Home, Barry Walstead (and Ryan and Elsa), Haley Maher, John Inch and Marc Mahoney. Friends make the load lighter and I greatly appreciate your help.

This is going to be a good trip. If yesterday is any indication, the subject of plastic in our waters is one that people want to talk about and finding some solutions is something a lot of people seem interested in doing. This voyage is all about getting that conversation going, making a change, at whatever level is possible.