Here are some position updates from John. The transponder is now working. Even though the wind is lighter that the first attempt, it seems the seas are not helping to make it a more comfortable trip. Hopefully when they get futher away from land things will settle down a bit.

Position 2300 HST; 08/27
23 31.505 N
158 22.765 W
Course approx 360
current speed 5.8 knots

Update from earlier Wednesday.
We are 75 nm north of Oahu and it is 1700 on 8/27. Really uncomfortable with winds 17 - 22 and lumpy seas.
position 1700 HST: 22deg 51.4 min N
158deg 2.33 min W.