The Route
April 19, 2017 Update
My timeline has changed significantly. Back in February and just as my Albin Vega was nearing completion, I was offered a deal on a different boat that I really couldn’t pass up…so I’ve purchased it, meaning that my departure will be pushed back until the end of this year.
It was a tough call, but I’m confident it was the right one. Given this development, I may have time available to revert to my previous plan which included the Galapagos. I probably will not sail as far as Panama, instead bouncing off somewhere in northern Central America or perhaps even southern Mexico.
At any rate, the dates below are now null and void.
With my travels I have always done my best to avoid over-planning. Speed projections are consistently wrong, unforeseen contingencies are almost always part of any trip worth doing and, frankly, I love the freedom of not knowing.
In most ways sailing is perfectly suited for this approach. Any seasoned cruiser/sailor will tell you that very specific planning is often an act in futility, and if blindly followed in spite of being at odds with the weather forecast, can be quite dangerous.
There is however one particular variable which must be considered: annual weather trends. I have done a bit of research on how these trends will affect me, and as I began writing realized that it deserves a page of it’s own. Click here to read a summation of my research on weather.
With the considerations on that page heeded, I developed a conservative float plan which will put me across the Pacific in one year of sailing. If I were a retiree or looking to adopt a longterm vagabond lifestyle, then I’d probably take much more time in such beautiful part of the world. I however, am not. Circumnavigating is as much a challenge as it is something meant to be enjoyed.
Leg 1 (1,126 miles) (See alternative)
Departure: Long Beach, CA, USA (1 February 2017)
Arrival: Mazatlan, Mexico (end of February 2017)
Notes: I have mixed feelings about Baja being the first leg of my trip. Due to the fact that I have been traveling to Baja for all of my adult life, I’m afraid I might not give the landscape and terrain the time it deserves. Moreover, I’m hoping to arrive in Mazatlan in time for the Pacific Puddle Jump, which will begin around the end of February, adding a sense of urgency.
Leg 1 Projections
[etable caption=”” width=”350″ colwidth=”” colalign=”left|left|left”]
Average Speed,Time,Arrival Date
1.5 kt (1.7 mph),31 Days,3 March 2017
2.0 kt (2.3 mph)**,24 Days,23 February 2017
2.5 kt (2.9 mph),19 Days,19 February 2017
3.0 knots (3.5 mph),16 Days,16 February 2017
[/etable]**Projected average speed
Leg 1 – 2 Alternative (2,875 miles)
Departure: Long Beach, CA, USA (X March 2017)
Arrival: Marquesas (April 2017)
Notes: If I am required to delay the start of my trip, I will skip Mexico and shove off directly towards the Marquesas. I feel it’s important for me to arrive in the Marquesas in April. This will give me 6 months or so to see spend a reasonable amount of time in the south Pacific. By the start of the Cyclone season in November, I’ll aim to be in New Zealand.
Leg 1 – 2 Alternative Projections
[etable caption=”” width=”350″ colwidth=”” colalign=”left|left|left”]
Average Speed,Time,Arrival Date
2.5 kt (2.9 mph),47 Days,Late April 2017
3.0 kt (3.5 mph),40 Days,Mid April 2017
3.5 kt (4.0 mph)**,34 Days,Early April 2017
4.0 knots (4.6 mph),30 Days,Early April 2017
[/etable]**Projected average speed
Leg 3 (450 miles)
Departure: Marquesas (TBD 2017)
Arrival: Tuamotus (TBD 2017)
Notes: Following the Marquesas, I’ll continue onward to Tuamotus (AKA Tuamotu Archipelago). I’ll need to do further research about this nearly 80 strong collection of islands with a combined population less than 16,000, because my knowledge about them borders non-existence. According to resources, it was once incredibly dangerous due to the many reefs. Today, GPS enables safe navigation.
Leg 3 Projections
[etable caption=”” width=”350″ colwidth=”” colalign=”left|left|left”]
Average Speed,Time,Arrival Date
2.0 kt (2.3 mph),9 Days,TBD 2017
2.5 kt (2.9 mph)**,8 Days,TBD 2017
3.0 kt (3.5 mph),6 Days,TBD 2017
3.5 knots (4.0 mph),5 Days,TBD 2017
[/etable]**Projected average speed
Leg 4 (265 miles)
Departure: Tuamotus (TBD 2017)
Arrival: Tahiti (June 2017)
Notes: Since I’ll be in the area, the Tahiti-Moorea Rendezvous is June 23-25, 2017. Might as well plan to show up. Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora are said to be among the most stunning islands in the south Pacific (or the world for that matter). And allegedly good wine, cheese and baguettes abound, which is more than enough reason for me to spend time there. In the event I wouldn’t make the Pacific Puddle Jump, this would be my first formal sailing meet-up.
Leg 4 Projections
[etable caption=”” width=”350″ colwidth=”” colalign=”left|left|left”]
Average Speed,Time,Arrival Date
3.5 kt (4.0 mph),3 Days 4 Hours,June 2017
4.0 kt (4.6 mph)**,2 Days 18 Hours,June 2017
4.5 kt (5.2 mph),2 Days 11 Hours,June 2017
5.0 knots (5.8 mph),2 Days 5 Hours,June 2017
[/etable]**Projected average speed
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