March Weather - Galapagos to Tahiti

[mdrewelow]

Hi... i am looing for good information about type of weather and sea conditions to expect between the Galapagos and Tahiti during mid March to late April. If anyone out there can advise that would be great. Also,,,, are there any good online resources to review historical data or is the old paper pilot chart the best bet?

[GordMay]

Greetings, and welcome aboard.

See the On-Line Pilot Charts
NGA Digital Navigation Publications - Atlas of Pilot Charts (and more)
NGA: NGA Publications List - A.P.C.

[MarkJ]

Easterly winds force 4 all the way. Sometimes SE.

This is from the Atlas of Pilot Charts: South Pacific Ocean. Its a must have.

2 points:

1) Read Force 4 (11-16kts) as much higher. We averaged force 6 (22 - 27).
2) Wind direction is in True, not Magnetic. Look at a chart for the variation

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by GordMay

NGA: NGA Publications List - A.P.C.

NICE LINK!! Mine cost $49.95 Now I get the rest for free


Mark

[porttack]

I just keep learning more each day.

Thanks GordMay!

[starfish62]

Noonsite would probably have some info (derived from pilot charts & Cornell's data keeping). "World Cruising Routes" would probably have some info, too. I did that run late (September) in 2005 and we had 25-35 knots dead astern for two solid weeks. Didn't touch the rig for 9 days at one point. BIG swells, but very laid out. Early (March) might be the same as late, but I don't know. Good luck! You'll be getting to the Tuamotus in time to enjoy them. Try Fakarava if you like diving.

[MarkJ]

Originally Posted by starfish62

we had 25-35 knots dead astern for two solid weeks. .

Yeah, I don't think I have heard anyone getting the 'advertisied' Force 4 - 11-16 kts...

[starfish62]

Originally Posted by MarkJ

Yeah, I don't think I have heard anyone getting the 'advertisied' Force 4 - 11-16 kts...

I met a couple of folks who motored damned near the whole way in pretty much a dead calm like the ITCZ can be. So we strapped a bunch of jerry cans with diesel on deck. We didn't open a one until Raiatea, and by then it was so old I was scared to use it! Great trip, though. Pacific swells.