Crew Wanted: Hawaii to remote South Pacific

[lucidsalt]

I am currently anchored off Hilo in the big island of Hawaii. I will be here until next spring, after cyclone season, when it is safe to head down to the South Pacific. The route I am planning on taking will emphasize the less visited island groups and will avoid the beaten path or "milk run." There still are a handful of islands that through a combination of luck and circumstance have managed to retain some semblance of a traditional culture and not be completely dominated by westernization. These destinations do not have airports, have infrequent supply ship visits and experience few other yachts. I have been to one in 2008 in the Santa Cruz group in the eastern Solomons and had a fantastic experience. I have done a lot of research and my guess is that there are less than five other islands left with traditional Polynesian or Micronesian culture with the majority being between Micronesia and the Solomons. Of course, everywhere has had an impact, but it isn't all completely gone yet... In the past year I managed a southern route through the south pacific visiting places like Pitcairn and the Australs but despite their physical remoteness, the culture and mindset of the inhabitants was quite familiar.
I was thinking of going due south to Tokelau and threading a course through Kiribati and Tuvalu first before targeting the "remote" list. Final destination could be a loop back up to the Marshalls or a dash across the top of PNG towards SE Asia. One idea I had was to head down to western Australia. There is some flexibility and there would be an opportunity to get off sooner somewhere in Melanesia if it was needed.

I am looking for one crew person to join me. One of the reasons why these islands get so few yachts is because they are far out of the way and are not the easiest destinations to deal with. No anchorages, tough passes, etc.. I normally single hand but it would be far easier to have someone on board to help out. For example, an island that doesn't have an anchorage could be dealt with by standing off and taking turns going ashore - something I couldn't do alone. Sailing experience is not necessary but an adventurous, low maintenance and minimalist attitude is a must. The boat is a 35ft mono hull with a minimalist (AKA purist) approach to cruising. Boat and skipper have logged over 50,000 miles in the last six years which includes a circumnavigation (below Africa and Panama canal). Share expenses, including the cost of a couple pieces of safety gear for the trip (contact me for details).

You need to be in Hawaii or are going to be soon so that you can come and check things out. This is why I am posting this early. My experience has taught me that there is no substitute for this! No crew decisions or guarantees can be made over email. This isn't an advert for just a simple ten or twelve day passage where if things don't work out, you can just be patient and ride it out. In fact, there would be inter island cruising within Hawaii first as it is pretty clear, or should be, that it isn't wise to head off on a multi week passage to a destination that doesn't have an airport if you aren't sure that you are up for the trip!