Out at anchor, to-do lists checked off (mostly), last minute food prepped and stowed, the dinghy tied up tight to our stern, the weather checked…one cannot help but be contemplative about the upcoming voyage. We plan to pull the anchor by 8am and be on our way. The passage from Mexico to French Polynesia is 2,700-2,900 miles nonstop and should take us 21-24 days. Chris and I started talking about this very voyage at age 19, over 25 years ago, and here we sit on the eve of departure. It’s all very surreal.
Tonight, I posed the questions to all of us:
What are you most hesitant/nervous about? Getting my fishing reel spooled by too big a fish, seasickness, something happening to the boat, someone falling in or getting injured, the mainsail getting stuck inside the mast, things breaking, being eaten by a shark at the equator during a storm while being seasick, lightening and squalls
What are you most excited about? Getting underway, just being out there, seeing land on the other side for the first moment, having done the crossing, seeing the Southern Cross, getting into the daily rhythms of life on board, fulfilling a dream of over 25 years, excitement of catching (and eating) fish, dolphins, making landfall, getting used to the motion of water (getting sea legs), experiencing things I’ve only read about since I was 10 (flying fish, weird sea creature experiences), seeing the stars (Equatorial and Southern stars), crossing the Equator, putting up our French Polynesian flag
When do you think we’ll make landfall at Hiva Oa, Marquesas?
Chris: April 20 at 9:45am
Emil: April 21 at 8:00am
Jen: April 21 at 1:00pm
Cora: April 23 at 8:30am
Calder: April 23 at 11:00am
“West and then west for weeks and weeks…” (Brian Doyle from The Plover).
SV Terikah Adventures 
13 responses to “The Night Before Departure”
I have so enjoyed your writings about your adventures so far, Jen and I wish you all a safe and enjoyable crossing to French Polynesia! I look forward to reading about your continuing adventures. Thank you for sharing this with all of us! Wishing you well, Sue Wood
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Fair winds and safe passage.
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Words cannot express the joy that my mother and I feel for all of you as you set out for this adventure of a lifetime.
This experience and adventure that Calder and Cora will have to share with their children, additional family as time goes on, and friends along the way is something that only some may dream about.
To learn that the dream is coming true for you two after all of these years can only settle into ones heart as most likely a, “Second happiest moment in life”, for you.
I’ve sat here reading your posts since before you all left Petersburg, and the anxiety and thrill of watching you all as time has gone by grows stronger each day.
My mother, who’s 87th birthday is tomorrow the 31st, and myself, wish you all nothing but happiness and good health and success throughout this voyage.
You give others something positive to look forward to through all you.
Thank you for this. Take good care and be well.
James and Camdin, soon-to-be residents of Thorne Bay.
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We are so excited for the entire crew. I love the 25 year dream is now starting! You guys are truly an inspiration. God’s speed, and we are praying He is looking after you.
Can’t wait to see the images of Hiva Oa, Marquesas!
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Sending you off with well wishes and a steady (but not too strong) wind in your sails!!
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An Easter morning wish from the Curtes’s and Korpelas, safe travels to you as you begin this epic voyage. Will be with you in spirit all the way. Looking forward to your updates.
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Best of luck, safe travels, and may the wind and weather always be in your favor! We will be thinking of you!
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Sending big love and all good wishes as you begin this next chapter in your grand adventure. Hoping your sea legs have arrived and seasickness never does. John and I are raising a glass and giving a cheer.
Ellyn Derman 1000 Cordova Place #568 Santa Fe NM 87505
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I have so enjoyed your account of your adventures so far, Jen and I wish you all a safe and fun crossing to French Polynesia. Thank you for sharing your family’s travels and dreams with all of us.
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We wish you a safe & pleasant passage, just enough adventures to make the joy sweeter, and may all the mechanical systems behave. Love you guys!!
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Safe travels to a wonderful family!!!! Enjoy the ride – you’ve worked hard for this.
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Bon voyage! My money is on April 18th, 6pm on the dot!
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Happy Resurrection Day! We will be praying for you during your crossing. Butch and Alice Young
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