G'day from Oz

[Valiam from Oz]

I'm new to this forum but not new to cruising. My husband and I completed a 2 year circumnavigation via South Africa and Panama in Nov 2009. We are gearing up to go cruising again hopefully via Patagonia (Chile), Atlantic to the Med. To sail eastwards across the Pacific will be challenging as we'll have to stay south. It's been done before but not by as many who sail westwards. I was hoping that someone here might have some contacts of others who have done it or plan to. We have a 45ft plywood monolhull we built ourselves. She cruises along at around 7.5 knots usually. We also need to look at warm clothing and heating for the boat as we've sailed mostly in the tropics. I have been trying out icebreaker thermals and we're wondering about a wood heater or diesel. Any advice here would be good too.
I am also happy to answer any questions about our circumnavigation. We kept up a very comprehensive website : www.valiam.com.au
Thanks for listening and look forward to meeting some of you on here!
cheers, Linda

[cabo_sailor]

Welcome Linda,

That's a very impressive resume'. I look forward to your interaction with the forum. I'm certain we'll learn as much or more from you as we can give to you. The best of both worlds. I wish I had something to contribute to your question but I'm sure others will make up for my lack.

Rich

[Unicorn Dreams]

Welcome Aboard Cruisers Forum Linda

[D&D]

Welcome to CF Linda.

We echo both Cabo's respect for your sailing experience...and his/her inability to contribute much in the way of useful information to your plans to cross the Pacific east-bound. We just completed the west-bound crossing as part of a voyage from Sardinia to Sydney via Panama...and our experience crossing the Tasman was certainly the most intimidating weather-wise of our whole voyage. So we wish you well and safe passage(s)!

[Wotname]

Welcome aboard.

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
Good to have you and your experiences here.
kind regards,

[DHHong Kong]

G'day Linda, I have just started reading your circumnavigation notes - great stuff!! I'll have to buy your book.
You might look at Steve and Dorothy Darden's website www.adagiojournal.com - they sailed their 52ft cat from Oz and NZ to Alaska via Hawaii, then down the west coast. Not quite where you want to go directly but maybe some good info eastward from NZ. Cheers. Paul

[Valiam from Oz]

Thanks for your reply Paul. I had a quick look at Adagio's website and it does look interesting. We'll be attempting to head straight east to Puerto MOntt in Chile if all goes well. It would be a pleasure to send you a copy of my book and I will sign it with a personal message! Just flick me an email.
cheers Linda