Hard Knocks

“And, tell me, wasn’t that the best time, that time when we were young at sea; young and had nothing, on the sea that gives nothing, except hard knocks – and sometimes a chance to feel your strength”

-Joseph Conrad

Bula! For the past two months I have been at sea delivering a 46 Sunsail from Trinidad to Hamilton Island, Australia, working, shooting and learning to live a life at sea. Instead of puting into words what it was like and what I saw, I was hoping the photos would take care of that for me. I will be posting a more extensive gallery as soon as I am done editing so, for now, here is a brief synopsis of my time at sea. Cheers!













































































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The Green Flash

Panama to Tahiti - 30 Days at Sea

Wow, 30 days at sea without seeing land was certainly an experience I thought I would never have. As we set sail on the Pacific it was a bit chilly at nights but a welcome break from the heat and humidity in Panama. The trip was full of marine life including whales, turtles, dolphins and lots of flying fish. We caught several Dorado and had some nice bluefin Tuna steaks and sashimi. The weather and seas were quite variable and we were fortunate to pick up a spinnaker in Panama to help us along. Provisions got low forcing more creativity with the meals which resulted in some fabulous fish curry dishes. Tahiti has been quite wet as it is the rainy season but nonetheless it has been a welcome break on land. We are heading off to Rorotonga and then Fiji. More updates to come when I am back in the states.

A special thanks to Mike and Brett at Praxis Universal who have been an incredible support system for me and to my parents for their love, support and patience.

Here is a link to the Life.com gallery featuring my work on Zac. Also check out this month's issue of Coastal Living

http://www.life.com/image/first/in-gallery/33472/the-boy-who-sailed-around-the-world

Panama Canal Transit

The transit through the canal went as smooth as it could. I was a line handler and snagged some photos when I was able to. The lighting was beautiful and it was an incredible experience. It was my captain's first time through the canal, along with the crew so they were all a bit nervous! We had huge ships in the locks with us which was incredibly intimidating but fascinating to watch. We went through the first set of locks Tuesday night then anchored in Gatun Lake. The next morning we woke early and head through the second set of locks, finally making our way into the Pacific ;)

Due to technical difficulties, AKA my computer dying or falling ill I will not be able to post any photos at this time from the transit. Jaime, my other crew member and budding photographer has taken some wonderful photos from the trip. Please visit her blog at www.jaimesun.wordpress.com

We are heading to the Galapagos tomorrow and scored a spinnaker while in Shelter Bay so, we should make pretty good time, as long as there is some wind ;)


*Note: I managed to snag a couple photos.....more to come...

Sailing from Trinidad to Panama

I am out on assignment until Oct. 10th delivering a 46 Sunsail to Hamilton Island, Australia and shooting along the way. Here are some photos from the leg from Trinidad to Panama. The crew are all new sailors and are working towards their Captain's liscense. Here are a few photos to show life on board. We are heading through the canal later today and then we will be off to Galapagos. I will try and keep you posted along the way. Cheers!

Leigh & Grant with the boys

Teen's Epic Voyage Launches Photojournalist

By Mike Kelly

Jen Edney, adventure photojournalist. That's the name and occupation of a 26-year0old Omaha Native.

The daughter of John and Pat Edney graduated from Marian High and Creighton University and interned last year at the newspaper in Ventura, Calif. She was assigned to shoot photos of Zac Sunderland, attempting to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world.

The assignment led to a bigger project on her own - hopscotching the globe, meeting Zac at ports to document his voyage.

By the time he achieved his goal in California last week at age 17, Jen had visited such places as the Marshall Islands, Australia, Capetown, Grenada, the Panama Canal and Mexico. To save money, she worked for six weeks as a crew member on a power boat crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

She plans to publish a book of photographs, but just as important, she said, is that the project helped launch her career.

"It's just been an incredible year of growth as a person and professionally," she said. "This has become a passion of mine."
Location: Omaha World Herald

There's no place like home

Just had a fantastic day with the fam yesterday, Dad and I got some time on the water, apparently it's impossible for me to stay off the water...and finished the day off with an incredible sunset cruise with Matt, Liz, Dad, Bella and Mom. There's no place like home.