[fingpilot]

I have sailed from SoCal to Hawaii and back several times in my life (TransPac Race). The way home goes north out of Hawaii to circumvent the Pacific High Pressure Zone (Doldrums). Going completely around it would take days longer than motoring thru the northern edge. We would carry jugs of fuel on the deck to extend the powered range. Doing this took us thru 4 to 5 days of incredibly calm ocean. So calm, there was no swell, no wind ripples, nothing. This is the area that accumulates the debris. At least once a day we had to stop, and clean the sea strainer for the cooling water intake. Six-pack straps, and plastic wrap were the two most common offenders. Within 2 or three hours motoring out of the debris, the wind would start to pick up.

Last time I did it was 1977. I have heard it is much worse now. Flying across that zone, nothing was visible from 8 miles up.