Eastward passage

[vabra]

Contemplating Marquesas to Carbo San Lucas Mexico in November.
Vessel 48ft sailing Cat. Fuel range 2400nm.
Realise an uphill voyage but seeking advice from experienced sailors who have done this trip or from similar locations.

[JPA Cate]

Hello, vabra,

The closest to that that we have done, was in a 36 ft. mono, and was from Bora Bora to SF, via Hawaii. You could have a pretty pleasant sail from the Marquesas to HI, with the SE trade winds predominating. Then you could go motoring through the Pacific High to Mexico. Carefully check about the distance involved. You can re-fuel in HI, and water up again, that's no problem, and you might catch the odd sailing breeze along the way. For us the HI to SF leg was a long one, but it has a longer time of northing than what you contemplate. If you haven't actually calculated your average days' runs against the trades, you should assume that it will take you about 50% longer than anticipated.* You can always be pleasantly surprised if you do better, but the consequences for over-spending your fuel and water at the beginning, could be pretty dire. Meal times can be the height of the day on long passages. Fwiw, going the other way, with the wind, from Cabo to the Marquesas, in the vessel above, took us 22 days, iirc., on a boat that averaged 140 n. mi./day. We did motor crossing the ITCZ when the wind failed, but very little motoring.

Expect stuff to break during the passage, it will be a long, difficult voyage. Good luck with it.



*This is kind of a nuisance because it means all stores, food, water and fuel, but it is conservative and safe.

Ann