We are about to embark on one of (if not) the world’s
longest ocean passages*, known by ocean sailors simply as “The Puddle Jump”: Galapagos
to Marquesas, 3000 miles and 20+ days of empty horizons, 4-hour watches and
meals out of a can.
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| Map care of tahinaexpedition.com |
The Galapagos Islands are in an area with very little or no
wind. This area stretches about 400
miles southward until you reach the trade winds. Once you get there, the wind (generally)
blows a consistent 15-25knots.
The current weather forecast promises a fleeting 10knt
breeze that will blow us southward and help us escape the doldrums. With only a couple of days notice, we are
preparing the boat to head off on our biggest adventure yet.
Our current plan is to head southwest until we reach the
trades, then take a right on the trade winds highway to Hiva Oa, Marquesas.
We have been getting news from fellow cruisers who have
embarked on the voyage over the last few weeks.
Some are doing well, some have lost rudders, others their autopilot, but
all have come across fishing nets!
Thanks to the few countries that are vacuuming up all the ocean’s
sea-life (you know who you are!), there are used and abandoned fishing nets in
the middle of nowhere that prove to be a massive hazard for sailing boats.
Along the way I’m sure we will see our fair share of sun,
squalls and probably spew! We hope to
see whales, dolphins and maybe catch a few fish. There will be books read, instant rice cooked
and random discussions on the meaning of life had.
We have again enlisted Gary’s Dad to update our blog so you
will hear about all our adventures as they happen.
We are crossing our fingers and our toes for a good
voyage.
Ciao for now
* longest distance point to point without any closer land in
between.
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