winter to Hawaii

[elkscout]

As a novice to sailing and a new member to this site, I was reading another thread regarding sailing the Pacific from Cal. (specifically San Fran) to Hawaii during the winter, and the impression I got was that's not the thing to do. I assume it's the weather patterns affecting that trek? I would have assumed the temperature would at least be warmer. I'd appreciate any relevant info why this isn't a good idea. Would the same voyage from southern Cal. be just as discouraging?

[imagine2frolic]

You have to sail south most of the time, and pretty far south to catch the trades. Imagine those storms rolling in from the north, or those Pineapple express storms. Is that what you want to sail in?

I sailed from S.F. to Cabo in Nov. of 93. It was freezing cold until I turned at the Cabo Cape. I forgot to mention the rain. There was a lot of that too. There's a reason the races start in June........i2f

[FinnBay]

From what I have read there are not alot of safe/protected anchorages in the hawaiian islands.

[paddahra]

Greetings - my first posting.

Any thoughts or comments as to whether it would be easier or more pleasant in Spring or Summer?

[sailingdog]

Originally Posted by paddahra

Greetings - my first posting.

Any thoughts or comments as to whether it would be easier or more pleasant in Spring or Summer?

It might be a good idea for you to buy Jimmy Cornell's book, World Cruising Routes or download the pilot charts for the Northern Pacific. Either of these would be able to give you an idea of what times of year the passages to Hawaii are going to be more pleasant to do.

You might also consider that the Transpac race is scheduled when it is for a reason.

[paddahra]

Thank you Sailingdog

[sww914]

15-18 foot swell here today, 20-23 forecast for next week. This isn't even winter yet.
I'm 1/2 way between LA and SF.