San Diego to Hawaii - February 2011

[keao]

So I'm looking to do a crossing from San Diego to Hawaii in mid February and was wondering if anyone has done this trip during a La Nina year which it looks like this winter will be. My plan is to take the boat south to cabo and then across the pacific. I've crossed the pacific 2 other times and both times have been in February. Once from Panama to Marquesas and once from Cabo to Fanning. In only one instance did i hit a storm, and that was the crossing to Fanning. The storm was not to bad 30+knot winds and 20ft seas.
thanks for the help

[keao]

if interested in sailing to Hawaii and then a few weeks in Hawaii please email me.

[svcambria]

The question of the effects of la Nina on the NE Pacific came up last year - probably every year - and the word from NOAA was that it didn't really affect the NE Pacific.
I have had the good fortune to sail in and out of Hawaii a couple of times, but in the summer. Some good friends sailed from San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico (essentially Cabo San Lucas by the time you get around the Baja peninsula) to the Marshall Islands in February, and essentially got the stuffing pulled out of them. They tried to go it all in one shot but had to stop at Johnston Island for repairs. Their crossing was at a latitude of about 16 degrees.
What you have to deal with is climate, which favors storms at that time of year; you may have been lucky with the weather before, you may be lucky again, but you should plan on some heavy weather once and a while on that trip.

Michael

[keao]

sorry the thread was a bit broad to start w/. i would like to narrow it down to be more specific.
my route: san diego to cabo to hawaii February 2011
Should i be concerned about crossing the pacific during a la nina winter? if so y?

[imagine2frolic]

We will just be behind you from Panama. The pilot charts says it downhill all the way. If memory serves me correctly you should have it on the quarter most of the way?......i2f

North Pacific Pilot Charts, February

[imagine2frolic]

ANOTHER SITE

Atlas of Pilot Charts for the Major Oceans of the World

[zeehag]

friend went to south pacific last year--was el nino-- did good-- just broke all his chainplates--watch your weather window and you should be fine-- dont know about the trade winds-- they were minimal last year when my friend went to so pacific. the pattern changes in may/june. feb is the "usual" time to head south from san diego after november's migration.

[keao]

thxs for all the help. Imagine i hope to c u under way or in the islands

[imagine2frolic]

Sounds good to me......i2f

[savoir]

February is not a very good idea. March would be both safer and warmer.

Err on the south side.

[imagine2frolic]

Originally Posted by savoir

February is not a very good idea. March would be both safer and warmer.

Err on the south side.

Why is not Feb. good & why won't it be warm?........i2f

[keao]

will deffinitely be colder than summer (50˚-60˚F) at night but u can dress for that.

[Feral Cat]

Imagine2frolic...

Thanks for the really cool links...

I am continually reminded of just how much I don't know!

How does one find all of these great resources of information prior to getting into a "Death and/or Destruction scenario???

I think the paralyses through over analysis folks are many who are sitting on the docks!

[boatman61]

i2f.... nice links.. Thanks..

[imagine2frolic]

If it's just the temp then we are good. Here we are in the 20*s off Daytona Beach.......i2f