Passage planning

Route: The Marquesas Islands make the best departure point in French Polynesia for the passage to Hawaii. They are furthest east and north, thus giving you both a better wind angle and a shorter distance to sail. Jimmy Cornell, in World Cruising Routes, describes this route as “a fast and pleasant passage at almost any time of the year”. Leaving from the Tuamotus or

Society Islands means a less favourable wind angle, potentially even upwind sailing, and longer distance.

Best Time of Year: Jimmy Cornell suggests April to June and October to November. I personally would prefer April and May. You are apt to find more moderate trade winds in the northern hemisphere and more southerly winds in the southern hemisphere: both factors will mean a more pleasant trip.

Cruising Hawaii: Mostly beyond the scope of this article, but it’s worth mentioning that Hawaii is a very di cult place to cruise. The strong winds and few protected anchorages are one factor, but the bigger issue is that the state’s Department of Land and Natural Resources has onerous restrictions on anchoring and transient berths.

Clearance Procedures: These are changing all the time in today’s environment, so make sure you know what is required before setting o . Even for US citizens returning home, it’s a good idea to complete your exit clearance from French Polynesia in a timely fashion and to keep your paperwork to show upon arrival in Hawaii.