Oz-NZ-Chile-Galapagos-Pacific Isles-Oz

[ribbony]

That is the current dream.

Now that the yacht is usable and we are starting to get some sailing done, it is time to set some goals. We have wanted to get to Chile to sail around the coastal passages and then return via the Pacific isles.

We were thinking of a southern route via NZ. But how far south to go and there does not look to be much along the way to stop at. Unless we go via Pitcan, Easter Is, etc. If we cross West to East via that lattitude would we be fighting currents/winds, when would be the best tseasons to undertake this little sojurn around the Pacific.

Any tips or tactics appreciated.

[barnakiel]

To Chile in the summer, back in the winter.

The exact latitude to Chile depending on year specific conditions but indeed a detour required if you care to visit things places like Pitcairn.

b.

[ribbony]

Would a late October departure from Oz be OK ? We would go to NZ, then depending on conditions choose the scenic route via Pitcairn & Easter or the Autobahn direct to Chile. There we would cruise the inland channels and the Coast up to SD, then off across to Galapagos.

If we wanted to break the journey, leave the boat to then resume the next season, where would be a good place to leave the vessel, somewhere economical yet secure. Chile ?

[barnakiel]

Departure depending on weather conditions but yes it may be around Oct/Nov. Dec/Jan should be OK to go East.

b.

[harpoon71]

Hi guys, sorry to interrupt your discussion.

I now live in Chile, let me know when you are near and if you ever need help (language or otherwise).

It would be nice to meet people coming this way.

Brian

[ribbony]

The more I read the more I see photos, th more we want to cruise southern Chile.

We have walked in Patagonia and loved the landscape there.

Having been Mountain lovers, our passions go out towards the less tropical destinations for cruising. Thats why Tassie, NZ, Chile have more appeal than the Tropics. Not to say we would not like to include some warmth as well, but we appreciate that better after a good chilling.

[YourOldNemesis]

You clearly haven't witnessed the incredible (albeit small) mountains of the Hiva Oa, Tahiti, Rarotonga etc... I have many happy memories of walking in those hills.

[ribbony]

Walking in them hills sounds wonderful, especially the walking part after being couped up on a yacht for weeks at a time. That is by far, the thing we miss most while sailing, is the quality time walking/running on Terrafirma.

[YourOldNemesis]

On our last extended cruise, I wrote a long list of things I would take the next time I did one. They included:

1. A small sailing dinghy - perhaps instead of a tender
2. (Fold up) bicycles
3. Some sort of contraption to turn a bike into an exercise-bike while at sea - perhaps it could even drive a small alternator?

[ribbony]

4. Rig the bike thing up to the prop shaft and peddle your way through the doldrums, and out of boredom.

5. Jump off the yacht while sailing and swim like crazy to catch up.

I seem to remember reading of a crazy Frenchman did similar on a round the world race solo, he trailed a line out the back, swam along, grab the line, haul himself in. Bit like trolling live bait for Mako's.

[Valiam from Oz]

We also have the dream to sail to Chile from Oz. We may be going Jan 2012. How are your plans going?

[ribbony]

Pacific sailing plans are still developing.

Only problem is that we have been side tracked running some trekking trips in Nepal, it's a new business & we are reluctant to let anyone else escort the treks. We like to ensure the quality standards are met. So for the next couple of years we will have to just dream of the long term cruising in the Pacific. Short forays are not a problem, but it does take time to do that long haul trip.