Follow-Up Q&A With JeffHK About His Video “30 Days Timelapse at Sea”

Capture by JeffHK, from his YouTube site

JeffHK is a working sailor. His astonishing video, full title: 30 Days Timelapse at Sea Through Thunderstorms, Torrential Rain and Busy Traffic, featured here Sept. 24, captures but a slice of his life at sea and of the ocean world in which we live. The video’s growing popularity has helped his YouTube site grow to more than 80,000 members. You can also follow him on Facebook and on Instagram. We heartily recommend a visit for a taste of an ocean sailor’s life which, Jeff tells us, “is not for everyone.”  

EarthDesk: Now that the trip and the video have been behind your for a little while, does the video capture what you had hoped?

JeffHK: Yes. I intended to capture the beauty of the night sky at sea, where away from any sources of light pollution and thousands of miles from nearest civilization, the galaxy almost seems like CGI straight from a fictional sci-fi movie or video game. (if you allow your eyes to adjust, waiting about 5 minutes).

EarthDesk: So far, it has been viewed more than 2 ½ million times and received more than 7,500 comments. What is your reaction?

JeffHK: From the comments, its mind boggling to see so many city dwellers don’t realize there could be such sights…actually, driving 1-2 hours from most cities are enough to have a clear view of the galaxy.

EarthDesk: I came away with a vivid reminder we live on a water world, in part because you only touched a fraction of it. Was that your intent?

JeffHK: I think it communicates somewhat that we live in a water world, only if the audience realizes that 70% of the Earth is covered with water, and most of us will barely travel the 30% of the land in our lifetime. Some parts of the 30% land aren’t even explored yet, only mapped out by satellite imaging.

EarthDesk: It’s easy to forget that the camera was your eyes. You were busy being a working sailor. Do you recommend the life?

JeffHK: This timelapse piece might have made seafaring seem all rainbow and sunshine, but it is far from the truth. The isolation and disconnectivity are not for everyone, but I personally find the solitude very enjoyable.