New Zealand to the Galapagos

[JohnB]

Hi

Looking at options New Zealand to the Galapagos.....

Has anyone any sailed a similar passage or has info/opinions on possible strategies.

Cheers

[estarzinger]

Here's a write up on our sail from NZ to Raibabae polynesia)
http://www.bethandevans.com/pdf/Pass...20Raivavae.pdf

and here's one more generally on going east in the 40s
http://www.bethandevans.com/pdf/SouthernO.pdf

If you are near Auckland, you should try to find John Neil - Mahina Tiare III, a Hallberg-Rassy 46. He has gone east from NZ many times in many seasons and is preparing right now to do so.

[savoir]

There is a high in the way so your first decision is which side you want to go.

Above - warmer, wind usually gets lighter as you go North and mostly E or SE, chance of 1000 miles or more to windward, the last leg is huge with around 4 weeks at sea, maybe stop at Fiji Cooks Marquesas

Below - colder, you sail downwind with the 40's at around 35 - 40S all the way to Chile, the wind is stronger and more reliable, check out a few ports in southern and central Chile, the North coast of Chile is notorious for light air, the wind up the coast of Chile is mostly S all the way to Galapagos if you keep well offshore, maybe stop off at Lima.

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