We have always found it interesting that many Americans take years to prepare, but then take only one season to sail through the vast and beautiful Pacific.  After a year and a half in the western Caribbean we passed through the Panama Canal on Soggy Paws, our 44’ CSY Walkthrough cutter, looking forward to a lengthy and warm Pacific crossing.  

We had been discussing how to cross the first half of the Pacific to French Polynesia and beyond for some time and knew we did not want to rush through it in one season.  We are retired and not in a hurry.  It  is a huge area, almost 8,000 miles from Panama to Australia and over 9,000 to the Philippines.  It is also a paradise for those who enjoy clear water, warm weather, varied cultures, and wonderful safe cruising. 

I am summarizing the crossing options below and then the story about our first and second years. Eastern Pacific Crossing Options:  There are at least four popular route options for cruising boats crossing to French Polynesia from the Americas.  Frequently called the “Milk Run”, or the annual cruising route taken from the West Coast of the Americas through the South Pacific. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and each requires different timing.  Here are those that we considered:

Option 1:  Take the most well-traveled and most popular route direct to the Marquesas from any of the US or Central American Pacific ports. It’s about 3,000 nm, depending on from where you start, and mostly a broad reach or downwind...

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