South Pacific -> Japan, routes, timing?

[msponer]

Hi Everyone,

We're about to go through the Panama Canal and make our way into the South Pacific. For years we planned to end up in New Zealand in October, but recently we've been wondering what it'd be like to instead turn North and head for Japan.

I'd like your thoughts on what that might look like -- say, instead of the usual:
Apr: Marquessas
May: Tuatmotus
Jun: Leeward French Polynesia
Jul: Cooks
Aug: Nieue
Sep: Tonga
Oct: NZ

Something like this?
Apr: Marquessas
May: Tuatmotus
Jun: Leeward French Polynesia
Jul: Cooks
Aug: Fiji
Sep: Vanuatu
Oct: Solomons
Nov: Solomons
Dec: Micronesia?
Jan: Northern Mariana's?
Feb: Southern Japan ?

I have no clue about this part of the world, and am trying to imagine what could be a reasonable plan...?

[Lepke]

Years ago I made many trips between Tokyo Bay and the Philippines or other points south. The common typhoon path is between Hong Kong and central Japan. Watch the weather. Change course early. Plan your escape routes in advance.
Often the weather is nice (for a ship). I wasn't sailing and never did the trip in a small boat. The weather changes fast. Stay in deep water to avoid the ground swell.
There is a US Pub 120, made for the Navy and ships that covers the Pacific Ocean and SE Asia here: Maritime Safety Information
It has lots of info, like don't anchor in a WWII Japanese minefield.

[JPA Cate]

Don't know if this will help, but the POs of our boat have left from Queensland, Australia to Japan, both times in Aug-Sept. Fwiw, Cyclone season down here is roughly Dec-May, June. Then you have to look at typhoon season. March is the canonical month to leave Japan for the Aleutians.

Cheers,

Ann
Ann