Puddle Jumper Debrief

Among the Pacific Puddle Jumpers we met in Puerto Vallarta this year were two gregarious Kiwis, Gina and Paul Rae, who’d recently bought their Hylas 44 Solace on the West Coast, and are currently sailing her home to New Zealand.

Having safely completed the 3,000-mile crossing to the Marquesas, they, like many other Puddle Jumpers, are now sharing their impressions and tips from the crossing. (Look for a complete recap report in an upcoming edition of Latitude 38.) The following are excerpts from Gina’s report:

"We have made it across the Pacific Ocean, having no major issues with ourselves or the boat . . . We eventually hit the NE trades and the wind was 15- 20, which made for great sailing. But what made it uncomfortable was a 12- to 15-ft swell. We made reasonable time though . . . We arrived at the ITCZ expecting this big black hole that we would fall into and then, with any luck, pop out the other side. It was really nothing more than a lot of variable winds and confused seas. And we didn’t get sucked up by any celestial force!

"We were very fortunate in that we had a friend who was able to send us regular weather updates and informed us of where the thunder storms were. This was a lot quicker and easier than downloading the maps, which are all subject to propagation. He would send us the short version via text to our Iriduim phone (this was free over the internet) and then the long version via email. One thing we found with SSB email is that it has some issues. When there is good propagation, it may be hard to get a connection as most other boats were probably doing what we are doing, and the frequencies were, at times, all being used.

"After making the ICTZ, we cruised on down to the equator . . . at times we were moving backwards with the current . . . but we got to sail across the equator two times forwards and once backwards. Once we got to 2° S, the wind finally kicked in and we were able to move . . . We were also subjected to more squalls, consisting mainly of a little increased breeze and a bucketing downpour. The rain eventually became quite refreshing and we welcomed it.

"We caught sight of Hiva Oa, but we were barely moving . . . As we approached, we noticed that it was a large swell with breakers against the rocks causing magnificent water displays as the water hit the cliff faces and came up the blow holes. Some of the water went so high, it was watering the coconut trees from the top!"