sail to maui in dec a bad idea?

[seabrookedan]

I am planning to solo sail my 33'bt to maui in dec. Is that a bad time weather wise? How often does it get 20'+ enroute? 40'+? Im a bearing sea fisherman so i have my own picture of winter.Also direct or southern route for dec? If i go it will probally be without self steering. I plan to sea anchor for a few hrs when i must sleep. Any thoughts from experienced sailors who arnt millionaires with all the bells and whistles?

[Faster]

Starting from where??? SoCal or PNW makes quite a difference

[jackdale]

Spend some time checking out the weatherfax.

Northeast Pacific WX Briefing Package

Also the pilot charts

Maritime Safety Information

Using a sea anchor to sleep is a lot of work. Besides you will not be able to maintain a lookout as required by ColRegs.

[jackdale]

Here is a finding about single handed sailing and sleeping

In the case at bar, Granholm's decision to go below during the nighttime was negligent.His own testimony reflects an awareness that this was so. I have previously quoted the relevant portion; Granholm said that "as a rule I made it a habit to take my resting periods during daytime and when the conditions were such that I could afford having some rest." The reasons are obvious. At night a sailboat, even displaying the proper lights, is not nearly as visible as she is in the daytime, when underway under sail. Granholm was sailing near a recognized transatlantic route for large vessels. He should have adhered to his own practice and rested only during the daytime. It may seem unfeeling to condemn single handed transatlantic sailors for sleeping at night. But they pursue this hazardous avocation voluntarily, and are not exempt from the requirements of prudent seamanship.

FindACase™ | GRANHOLM v. THE VESSEL TFL EXPRESS

This would also apply to transpacific single-handers.

[seabrookedan]

From s.cal. Either straight line or j-hook south.