A Post-Cruise Night of Luxury

In February, Dave Pryde and Jan Eckmann of the Washington-based Slocum 43 Baraka were thrilled to win the big raffle prize at Latitude‘s Pacific Puddle Jump kick-off party in Zihuatanejo. It was a free hotel night at the swank Pearl Resort on the island of Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas — arranged by our friends at Tahiti Tourisme.

But at the time, Dave and Jan had no way of knowing just how much they’d appreciate those luxurious digs after doublehanding 3,000 miles across the Pacific! "The unlimited hot water and air conditioning were wonderful! The lack of motion took some getting used to after our 22 1/2-day passage from PV to Nuku Hiva. Our son, Joel, joined us for the crossing and we had a relatively easy passage."

According to Dave, there were 47 Puddle Jump boats anchored at Nuku Hiva’s Taiohae Bay last week — apparently the height of the season’s arrivals. But many boats are pulling out each day now and heading west.

Look for a full report on this year’s crossings in a future edition of Lat 38, as well as a report on the Tahiti-Moorea Sailing Rendezvous, slated for June 27-28.