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Originally Posted by Lodesman  I know it's typical to go via Hawaii when coming from Panama - the added miles make up a small portion of the total distance. By comparison SF to Seattle is 800 NM direct, but about 4300 NM via Hawaii. Surely there is no benefit to going over five times the distance. |
The only benefit is that you get to visit Hawaii. Next year I will be racing there (in the Pacific Cup), so for me the issue is whether to return directly to San Francisco, or to stop off in the Puget Sound for a few weeks on my way home.
I agree that unless you were already planning to visit Hawaii it wouldn't make a lot of sense to do this.
Actually, there's another benefit: The mostly downwind S.F / Hawaii / Seattle route is much more pleasant, and is probably easier on the boat, especially if you would have to bash through the typical conditions along the mainland west coast. The direct route should take one or two weeks, and the Hawaii route should take about five weeks, so time is certainly an issue.