JesseMartin.Net

Howdy, it's been a while since an update. Most of my time has been spent on our sailing trips aboard Imajica. Here's a link to some extreme dudes who have just completed a 370 mile snowkiting expedition across North Dakota, raising awareness for wind power potential in the state. Apparently there's enough wind up there to support 34% of North America with electricity. Go guys!

http://www.2xtm.com/

Imajica has now been based in Kavieng for 2 years and the photo gallery is starting to really grow. You can now download a selection of Screen Saver images from the Imajica site. Check it out here.

I've returned home from North America with more information under my belt for a trip through the Arctic I hope attempt one day. For now it's back to PNG while it's prime surf season. We've just launched the new site which includes the latest surf shots taken off Kung Island. Check out www.theimajicaexperience.com

Shortly I'll be leaving for the United States to begin researching an adventure that I have been contemplating for several years - a solo crossing of North America from Hudson Bay to the other side of Alaska. Timing for such a trip is critical due to the extreme temperatures and my window of opportunity allows nine month in which to complete the journey. I will use only a dogsled and canoe for transport. Some may say it's stupid and I'm not entirely sure if it's possible, but that I will soon find out.

I've just had a quick trip to Thailand where Lionheart has just been launched. Although I can't read any of it, the text looks amazing and it makes me think I'd like to learn Thai just because it looks so cool. For anyone who can read Thai, there's a link to purchasing the edition from Nanmeebooks.

With the publication of my book about the Kijana journey, I've returned home to Melbourne for the launch and a short break to visit family and friends. For anyone interested in the book or to learn more about boating, visit the Sail Boat Show at Sandringham Yacht Club over the 19-20th of March. I'll be there with the books along with a wide range of other displays showcasing the latest in Marine technology. Be warned - I may try and convince you to an adventure in Papua New Guinea!

It took six weeks to finally get from the Philippines to Kavieng via Palau. It took so long due to our engine not working. Beau returned home from Palau for work so Josh helped me complete the final leg to Kavieng, Papua New Guinea. We arrived in October and the time since has been spent finalising the boat layout. Now she's ready and I have two charters before a quick trip back home during March for the Kijana book launch. Thanks to everyone who emailed concerns for our safety. Luckily PNG was not affected by the Tsunami disaster, but our prayers go out to those who were.

Two typhoons later and we finally got a break in the weather to leave the Philippines. Our engine wasn't working but we decided it was time to leave anyway. With a nice breaze we lifted the anchor and were finally under way. However less than an hour later the forestay let go, sending the forward mast crashing down, smashing a solar panel and leaving the gaff and sail, tangled with wire shrouds and dipping into the water with each passing wave. With heavy hearts we had to return and make repairs. Thankfully the boat builders worked like maniacs and with one bamboo pole, 4 wooden blocks and 8 nearby coconut trees they managed to raise the mast and repair the busted U bolt. 48 hours later we were off again, still with no workable motor but glad to be leaving and making some forward progress!

It's been nearly a week that Beau and I have been here in the Philippines and only this morning was it calm enough to head out. We've been waiting for a typhoon to pass over the top of the country and for the weather to go back to normal. However we've missed our window with the tides to get the big catamaran over the reef outside where she lays. Our next tide which is high enough is in five days time. Lets hope no typhoons happen in the mean time.

It's now two weeks before my brother and I begin the delivery of Imajica to Papua New Guinea. Two days ago the manuscript for the Kijana book was handed in and I'm beginning to feel like a free man! My family is helping out big time as we rush to get the last minute jobs done. This includes shipping most of the equipment to meet us in Kavieng in time. I promise I'll have much better updates to write about once we get out at sea!

It's now under two months to go before I head off on the next trip and things are getting hectic. I bought the charts for the crossing to PNG and there seems to be a few reefs in the middle of no where, that may have to be visited! Finalising the last chapters of the book and getting the final edit on the doco done. Also brushing up on the navigation skills thanks to Dave McKeough at Port Phillip Sail and Navigation. Check out boatpoint.com.au for the latest story in Trade A Boat mag. I havn't found it but I'm sure it's there somewhere :)

It's signed, sealed and soon to be delivered. I'm really excited to anounce the purchase of a 38' wharram catamaran currently lying in the Philippines. My brother Beau will help deliver her to Papua New Guinea in September this year. Check out the 'Come Sailing' page to read more about it.

After more than a year since The Journey of Kijana ended, we have only now begun to edit the footage into a television program. Helping me do this is my crew mate Josh Schmidt. Many thanks to Lyn Moore for letting us use the bunaglow out the back of her house as a studio. All going well the program will be finished in a few months. Stay tuned for details of where it can be seen, or subscribed to recieve an email update when we know.