Last night’s passage and today are the biggest seas that we’ve ever been in, Chris and I staying up all night together to keep the waves coming from behind us and the sail trimmed. Winds reached 30 knots. Seas were 12-15 feet high and only 5-6 seconds apart, coming at us from two different directions; these are VERY steep seas. The darkness made the roar of waves ominous. Overnight, when we couldn’t see what was coming, it felt scary and vulnerable to both Chris and I, trying to keep our boat from going beam down deep into a trough. With a strong enough wind gust and the boat beam in a trough, there was potential danger.
Flying fish were landing on our boat. I had a brief nap early in the evening in my bedroom and felt water on my face; I looked up at the screen covering my window and there was a flying fish giving me a fishy wet shower! We threw a few back into the water last night if we could get to them quick enough.
This morning, seas continue to be large. A massive wave broke on the back of our boat; flooding the cockpit with water. We were glad the weight of all that water did not tear the dinghy off our transom. Before we left, Chris and Calder secured the dinghy VERY tightly; so glad they did. That’s our “car.”
Today the seas continued. We let Chris take a nap and took turns with one hour shifts throughout the day steering the boat. It was a day where we were focused on steering and sailing the boat, not too much else.
We hit the 1,000 nm mark and celebrated with a treat bag of goodies to munch on.
The highlight of our day – We did it – sailed in the path of totality of the eclipse! Initially there were many clouds, but these cleared and we were able to witness the entire event from 9 degrees North in the Pacific Ocean. It got darker and darker, cooler outside, then the moon was surrounded by a glowing circle. Amazing!
Now, going into the night, the seas have decreased thankfully to 6-12 feet and a bit further apart. We were able to all do our shifts without any concern. We are closing in on the ITCZ…more on this soon.
Total miles over the last 24 hours: 130.2 nm
Average speed in last 24 hours: 5.4 knots (max 11.1)
Total miles of trip so far: 1,151 nm
SV Terikah Adventures 
7 responses to “Day 9: Pacific Crossing from Mexico to French Polynesia”
So glad you got to enjoy the eclipse! Hope seas continue to moderate. Our passage was the opposite. We never saw more than 15 knots, and floated on absolutely flat seas for at least two days in the doldrums. Took us 27 days from Cabo to Hive Oa. The worst seas we ever encountered were off the Oregon coast!
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This is awesome! Almost shellbacks…better get the ceremony planned out!
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Mother and I are so happy that you included some video. I don’t know what your equipment means are for video, but I would imagine that with many hours taken during your journey, a documentary maker might take you all on and do a complete story.
We are also placing pins on the globe in Google Earth, following your path as you go along.
For what you have done for your children here will give them stories to tell forever, but also leave them with a lot less to fear in their lives.
You are all just terrific for wanting to share your adventure with us. Words cannot express our appreciation.
Always be safe in your travels. Take care.
James Reece and Camin Hinds.
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What a fantastic experience to see the eclipse from out in the ocean. So sorry the seas are steep and confused, especially at night when you can’t anticipate. So glad you all are safe and in calmer seas.
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Hopefully with the eclipse over with the seas will calm down for you! Are the flying fish big enough to eat? Like smelt? I suppose they would make a meal in a pinch? Seems like they are continually offering themselves up to you! Happy sailing ⛵️!!
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I’m wondering if I’m doing something wrong here. My comments never appear. I’ve logged in, and I think I’m doing everything right, but I must be missing something. Help?
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Got your comments! Thanks!
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