AND WE'RE OFF!

We left Washington on September 4, my birthday, and were hoping to leave Mexico on March 27, my mother's birthday. We had been planning a late March departure anyway, and timing the start of this voyage on a day that started her voyage seemed a good way to honor her.

 

However, the weather gods did not cooperate. Though it's possible to leave any time, it's best to leave during a good "weather window''--which means the winds are predicted to be favorable for the foreseeable future. In this case, we were waiting for a weather pattern that would bring enough wind to keep the boat moving until the trade winds are reached; Banderas Bay was in a spell when the customary northerly winds were not blowing. Boats leaving then would either get a ways offshore and just sit in the swells until the winds returned, or burn a lot of diesel to drive for four days--neither of which is a good idea. (Indeed, one boat chose the latter option--and ran out of fuel!)

So after five pleasurable yet busy months in Mexico and many months (and years, depending on what one is counting) of preparation before that, we are thrilled to be departing for the Marquesas tomorrow! We will sail out of Banderas Bay and head west, following a combination of wind angles, compass headings and barometric pressure lines to arrive at Hiva Oa in about 25 days. Internet access in French Polynesia is even more scarce than in Mexico, so who knows when I can update the blog with fresh tales and exotic photos; in the meantime, fair winds to us all!