PPJ Cruisers Ready to Leap

In marinas and anchorages all along the West Coast of the Americas, cruising sailors from all walks of life are now preparing to make the 3,000- to 4,000-mile leap to French Polynesia and beyond — the ambitious passage we call the Pacific Puddle Jump. 

This week, we’re having big fun getting to know many of them at our annual PPJ Sendoff Parties in Mexico (this past Monday at the Vallarta Yacht Club) and Panama (tomorrow at Balboa YC on the Pacific side of the Canal, then Saturday at Shelter Bay Marina on the Caribbean side).

As in years past, we’re discovering that the inspirations that drive these bold sailors to make the Jump are as varied as the boats they sail on and the size of their cruising kitties. In the April issue of Latitude 38 we’ll introduce you to the Jumpers we met this week in Mexico — from wide-eyed ‘twentysomethings’ to salty, gray-haired retirees. And in May we’ll profile the truly international mix of sailors who funnel through Panama on their way west. 

As you’ll see in this video, shot Monday at Nuevo Vallarta’s Paradisve Village Resort, this year’s Mexico contingent is eager and excited as they make final preparations to head west. 

Video Latitude / Andy

All in all, more than 160 boatloads of adventurers have registered (for free) so far this season, at the official PPJ website. So it’s safe to say that despite demographic shifts elsewhere, there’s no shortage of sailors eager to explore the dreamy isles of the South Pacific. Look for a complete recap of this year’s Puddle Jump crossing this summer in the pages of Latitude 38 magazine.