Next message: Phil Sherwood: "Re: [world-cruising] Re: Crew LIabilities"
When cruising French polynesia it is easier to travel North west with the
trade winds starting at Pitcan.
Most people approach from the Marquesas which is the hard way.
barry
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kevin D" <>
To: <>
Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:36 PM
Subject: Re: [world-cruising] South Pacific
> Thanks for the info. I'm new to the cruising and thought those southern
islands might be an enjoyable stopoff. No one ever mentions traveling south
all talk is of going to the marquesas. I'll have to look over the trips and
what will be waiting at the destinations.
>
> Peter Ogilvie <> wrote: I just looked at the
Pilot Charts for all the seasons
> and don't see doldrums anywhere near the 'sailing'
> route to the Marquesas. Maybe if you made a rhumbline
> course direct from the Canal you'd experience a lot of
> time in the ITC but that's not the way you SAIL there.
>
> Most folks head southwest from Panama to the Galapagos
> which is often a light air slog with winds forward of
> the beam. From the Galapagos, it's west southwest to
> the Marquesas with following force 4 tradewinds, 0%
> calms, all the rest of the way. Perfect your downwind
> rig.
>
> If you wanted to go to Easter Island, it's also a
> sailing ship route with winds mostly on or aft the
> beam. Unfortunately, you pass through and will be in
> an area with a possibility of 6% of calms and the
> overall winds are more variable with a greater, though
> low, chance of headwinds. Don't see an advantage to
> sailing that far south if your destination is French
> Polynesia.
>
> Another consideration is the anchorages at both Easter
> and Pitcairin. IIRC, neither has a protected harbor
> and anchoring is a tenuous proposition should the
> winds kick up from the wrong direction. You'll have
> to keep a weather eye while your there and be ready to
> get to sea at a moments notice. In short, it could be
> a short and not very restful stay at either island.
>
> I'd like to see the statues on Easter Island but not
> enough to put up with the difficulties of getting and
> being there. Pitcairin would be interesting if you
> are a sociologist/anthrapologist studying remote
> Island cultures or a 'Bounty aficianado' but not a
> must see on my list. Of course, if you have a punch
> list of out of the way places to visit, both Easter
> and Pitcairin will put you in a very rare group.
>
> It's been a several decades since I've been to the
> Marquesas. When we were there, it was still pretty
> primitive and unspoiled. We got there in July left in
> January and pretty much had the Islands to ourselves
> as the Hurricane season cut off the West Coast Traffic
> until November. I don't think it's quite the virgin
> tropical paradise it used to be but it's still going
> to be a great place to explore. FWIW, saw a picture
> of Taiohai Bay and it looked a shopping center parking
> lot with all the anchored cruisers compared to what it
> was like when we were there. Still bet trips to the
> less frequented Islands would be a peaceful respite.
>
> If it's possible, try and get an extended visa before
> you leave for FP. We had a six month visa which
> allowed us to hang out where we wanted and didn't have
> to rush on to Papeete like everyone else. The same
> would go if you wanted to hang out in the Gambiers, or
> Tuamotus. If diving is your thing, especialy spear
> fishing, allow lots of time for the Tuamotus.
>
> Aloha
> Peter O.
>
> --- Kevin <> wrote:
>
> > Hello. I know many travel by way of the Marquesas
> > Islands. I was
> > thinking of trying a Galopagos/Easter
> > Island/Pitcairn route to the
> > Society Islands. Any ideas on this trek. Seems to
> > be the best route
> > for avoiding any doldrums. Thanks for any feedback
> > and suggestions.
> >
> >
>
> Aloha
> Peter Ogilvie
> Pa'akai O'o, Pearson 35 #108
> Too many Landrovers, some even run.
>
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