24 Day Passage to the Marquesas

February 17^th – March 10^th 2011

24 day passage to the Marquesas

We had a great passage from La Paz , Mexico to Atuona, Hiva Oa (Marquesas).  We started out with light winds so motored to San Jose Cabo where we topped up with fuel in the early morning and immediately set out again.  We motored another 12 hours off the coast before the wind found us.  The next few days were terrific.  We had calm seas and 15-20 knot winds so we flew along averaging 6 knots.  Charlie had added a solent stay so we ran with two headsails poled out!  The boat loved it and we had  3 days of 145 nautical miles.  Very comfortable sailing.

Day 12      Position: 7* 40.920’   N      124 *16.917W

We experienced light squalls and then no wind.  Being the true sailors that we are we turned on the motor and pushed forward at 5 knots.  48 hours later we were back sailing, just.  Put up the Spinnaker and ghosted along. 

Still waiting for that sunny warm Pacific Air.

Day 15      Position: 2* 51.102 ‘N        128*23.603W

Passed into blue sky and steady ESE winds. Stars are incredible and the boat is moving along great.  Another 145 Nautical mile day – Yahoo.

We were soon down to a double reefed main and furled headsail as we stormed along the boat moving well.  Seas up a bit but still quite comfortable.  The crew were able to sleep comfortably with lee cloths up.

Day 17      Postiion:   OOOOOOO      130*45.127’W   EQUATOR DAY

Toasted King Neptune, blew bubbles and broke open the crackers care of friends back in La Paz!

Day 23               8* 15.747’S        137* 37.931’W

Winds picked up last few days so we have been flying along unfortunately it looks like we’ll arrive during the night. Tried to slow the boat down but still flying along.  Finally hove to 20 miles off  Hiva Oa and waited for light.

Day 24      Position: 9*48.51’S    139*01.970 W  

Our arrival at Hiva Oa coincided by the Tsunami caused by the earthquake in Japan. We hadn’t noticed the Tsunami as we were at sea.  However, as we approached Atuona we found the harbour closed and all the boats sitting outside the breakwater.  Every 20 minutes the tide would rush in and out of the harbour creating strong currents and surges.  We anchored with the others and used the time to tidy the boat and rest.  We finally entered the harbour late in the afternoon.

First Impression of the Marquesas  -  Everything is so GREEN!!!

 We left La paz on Wednesday and spent a night in Caltea Lobos where we spent Christmas 2001 with Rick Lowe from Firewater. Gem and Karina and Patrick from Nanaimo were there. Left in the morning and motored all night as Southerlies are forecast.

Which means that we are heading into San Jose Del Cabo to top off with diesel. W'ell head straight out then.

Next post form the Marquesas!

Some more engine work, some sails and some kid dinghy sailing.

We will leave La Paz tomorrow or Wednesday and head straight to the Marquesas.

Excited to be off, and out of the city.

In La Paz getting ready

We are in La Paz getting the boat ready to head off to the Marquesas. Departure planned for 14^th Feb. Lots of small boat jobs that I had put off until I couldn't any longer.

Chainplates

Rig check

Reinforcement for inner forestay

Kid Life

 Two kids in dinghy

 Four boys in a dinghy

Swiss kids. (Though most people down here think they are some kind of First Aiders!)

Christmas with my sister

My sister Izi joined us for Christmas and we had a lovely time with her. Sadly failed to catch any nice fish which just reinforces my lack of ability.

We had caught a nice Dorado immediately before she came though

Trying to catch up the blog - December

We hauled the boat in Perto Escondido, fixed a rudder bearing problem and painted the bottom.

All went very smoothly thanks to Alvin.