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new zealand to french polynesia ~ against the wind
added note: While this is another one of my lengthy posts, it is more for our own record and memory of the passage. But hopefully, many of you will enjoy it regardless. For those of you who prefer a shortened version, most days are titled with some highlights. May 2 – 20, 2014 Day 1: … Continue reading »
temporary interlude
“In order to be a Navigator, you have to be fierce” ~ Mau Piailug Throughout our time in the Pacific, we have crossed paths with the Hokule’a and the many people involved with her. She has managed to intertwine herself into our lives, and has become a fascination and a love. Watch “The Talk … Continue reading »
passage to new zealand ~ all well onboard
November 9 – 18, 2013 day one: After a few last minute preparations, we jumped into the water for one last family snorkel. This would be our last day anchored in the tropics, and we wanted to cherish the warmth and beauty that surrounded us. Temperature at Kelefesia Island: 84-86 degrees F Around noon, we … Continue reading »
passage to new zealand ~ the plan
November 9 – 18, 2013 For months prior to the passage to New Zealand, numerous cruisers fret over what could possibly be their toughest passage to date. With New Zealand lying between the Tasman Sea and the Southern Pacific Ocean, there are many strong low pressure systems that move across the region. One must also … Continue reading »
tonga ~ ha’apai & otu tolu groups
November 1 – 9, 2013 Good-bye Vava’u: Clearing out of Tonga can be done in a few ways. Many people make their way to Tonga’s southern Tongatapu Group where they provision for the passage and then clear from Tonga to New Zealand. While still in Vava’u, we chose to fully provision in Neiafu, and then … Continue reading »
explanation of position reporting problem
Over recent weeks, it has come to our attention that our position has disappeared from the map. Several of our good friends and readers have become concerned as to our whereabouts and our well-being. Rest assured, we are still on the globe and all doing quite well. Every time we are sailing on a major … Continue reading »
suwarrow to tonga ~ back to the future
September 16 – 22, 2013 A Brief Abstract: By the end of our 6-day, 720-mile passage from Suwarrow to Tonga, we had dealt with many a squall, Wil’s finger infection, enormous rogue waves, and a boat with a mind of its own. The tally of items lost or damaged were multiple hatch covers, a dorado … Continue reading »
departing maupiti ~ sleeping whales
August 27, 2013 To begin a passage from Maupiti to Suwarrow, one must first be able to exit Passe Onoiau in calm conditions. Therefore, there was very little wind on our day of departure, and this gave us the perfect opportunity for some more whale watching just outside the reef of Maupiti. Our plan was … Continue reading »
kauehi ~ lessons learned
July 6, 2013 The winds were only going to be down for one day before picking up for another round of strong wind (southeasterly this time) and rain. We decided that we needed to make the most of our last day of sun. With a bit of spontaneity, we arranged a day trip to snorkel … Continue reading »
jamaica to san blas
January 26 – 30, 2013 Passage planning for our crossing from Jamaica to the San Blas Islands of Panama was the most difficult for us to date. At this time of the year, there is a stationary low pressure system that sits down in the Colombian basin of the Caribbean Sea. This weather low constantly … Continue reading »
