Going Cruising 12/20/06

[sailorTD]

I am joining a crew on a well equipped 2001 47 foot CSK sailing catamaran for a cruise to the south pacific via Hawaii. Additional possible ports are Palmyra Island, Fiji and then the islands of Tahiti (Bora Bora, Moorea, etc). The trip will last until approximately March before flying home. Anyone have any thoughts or experience on this sort of trip, this time of year. I am an active sailor, 60 years old in good physical condition with 14 years of continuous sailing experience. I also sailed from Fiji to New Zealand in October of 1996. Thanks for any and all replies.

[chris_gee]

This and next year appear to be an El Nino year so you could expect weaker trades, more unpredictable weather and storms. I can really only comment on the Southern side of things. We regard Dec- April as the cyclone your hurrican season. While they are not that frequent, in an El Nino they are expected to be more likely. Consequently I would anticipate this risk in the Fiji Tahiti area as in effect Feb March are out of season. However I am no expert.
My only other comment is that it is desirable to have met the captain. Yes sir no sir three bags full Captain Bligh can be difficult if you really would rather get off. I am not rebelling against proper authority and indeed responsibility, nor the give and take and tolerance required living with a small unknown group in a confined space, but the occassional ***** can make life difficult. Maybe you know him, which is fine, otherwise a brief shakedown cruise is a good idea. Also take earplugs! Someone else's idea of music may blow your ears off.
Have a good trip.

[sailorTD]

I understand about the fellow crew and captain situation and am in the process of checking that out. I also know that the weather can be a factor. I'll be speaking with the crew about that as well as plans to get out of the way as much as possible should a storm develop. Thanks again.

[sailaway21]

Hope you already scuba dive!

[sailingdog]

SailorTD-

Have fun...enjoy and don't get too stressed out.

[sailorTD]

I needed that.