The Pacific Crossing Guide 4th Edition

An essential reference for anyone contemplating sailing the Pacific. 'The definitive work on Pacific crossings' Cruising The Pacific Crossing Guide is a complete reference for anyone contemplating sailing the Pacific. From ideal timing, suitable boats, routes, methods of communication, health and provisioning to seasonal weather, departure and arrival ports, facilities, likely costs and dangers, this comprehensive new edition will both inspire dreamers and instil confidence in those about to depart. Completely updated, expanded and refreshed for the new generation of Pacific cruisers, this is the definitive reference, relied upon by many thousands of cruisers. Part 1 covers thorough preparation for both East-to-West and West-to-East crossings and Part 2 covers Pacific weather patterns, major routes and landfall ports, with useful website links throughout. There are sections on rallies, coral atolls and atoll navigation, the cyclone season and laying up, use of electronic charts, satellite phones versus HF radio, ongoing maintenance, and Pacific festivals. Updated with new charts and photographs, the new 4th edition focuses on ports of entry rather than secondary anchorages, and expands the North Pacific coverage, making it a valuable resource for sailors doing a North Pacific circuit, particularly US and Canadian sailors from the Pacific North.

Francis Hawkings has been sailing in the Pacific for over thirty years. His cruises have taken him to the South Pacific, Chile, Hawaii, Japan and Alaska from his home base in California.

About the Author Preface and Acknowledgements The Royal Cruising Club Pilotage Foundation Route Map Introduction Part 1 Preparations 1 Casting Off 2 The Pacific Ocean 3 Preparing the Boat and Yourself 4 The Balance of Power 5 Maintenance, Spares and Laying Up 6 A Home Away from Home 7 Keeping Healthy 8 Staying Safe 9 Navigation 10 Communications 11 Protocol, Paperwork and Pets Part 2 Passage Planning 12 Pacific Weather 13 Pacific Itineraries 14 Routes to French Polynesia 15 French Polynesia 16 Westwards in the South Pacific 17 New Zealand and Australia 18 The South-east Pacific 19 South and west through Hawaii 20 Routes to Japan 21 Alaska and the Pacific North-west to California Appendices Index