Leg 1: Seattle to Hilo, Hawai’i
Departure: Saturday May 16 | Arrival: Sunday June 7 | 22 days | Distance: ~2,400 nm | Berths: 4 available | Cost: $8,500 per single berth | Fly into Seattle (SEA) | Fly out of Hilo (ITO). There are options to depart from Kona at the conclusion of our journey.
The Passage
Our 2026 season begins where the open Pacific calls loudest — a full-ocean crossing from Seattle to Hilo, 2,400 nautical miles of bluewater sailing that connects the temperate Northwest to the tropics of Hawai‘i. Note the spelling of Hawai’i - we include the ‘okina symbol as a small gesture of respect to the Kānaka Maoli (translates to “Real People” - the people of Hawai’i).
We’ll slip lines from Bell Harbor in Seattle, Washington (easily accessible from SeaTac airport) and head down the Strait of Juan de Fuca, waiting for our ideal weather window in Neah Bay. Then we turn south to find warmer water and steadier wind before laying our course west toward the Islands. The optimal track usually takes us south to roughly 35° N, clear of the North Pacific High, then west with the trades. Expect cool gray days early, a long gentle swell under the bows by the third or fourth day offshore, and the deep indigo water that means you’re well and truly at sea.
We are budgeting 150nm days with six full days of weather window/buffer. Any “free” days after landfall will be spent exploring the Hawaiian Islands, including snorkeling and possibly diving.
Along the way, we will be fishing for pelagic species (tuna, mahi, others), learning nuances about the Kānaka Maoli language and culture, playing games and you will have plenty of private down-time when not on watch.
What to Expect
This is not a luxury cruise; it’s an active, hands-on ocean crossing. In addition, all of our expeditions are limited to six expedition members, allowing us plenty of 1:1 instruction time. Every expedition member has a position each day: navigator, weather, mechanic/systems, cleaning crew, cook, and rigging inspections. You will rotate through these positions and gain practical exposure to all these topics. These roles are in addition to participating in watch rotation.
Also, there will be 1-3 hours instruction most days covering topics of interest as well as:
Celestial Navigation in Practice — we will combine paper charts with hands-on use of a sextant and other tools.
Weather Routing — we will use Pilot Charts to discuss overall routing, talk about various software systems (Windy, PredictWind) and learn how to download GRIB files via emergency satellite communications as well as how to spot storms via Radar.
Safety and Storm and Heavy-Weather Tactics — this will include deploying a drogue, a wake line, and other heavy weather tactics. We will practice rapid reefing, quick crew overboard recovery and all facets of safety.
Systems Management — electrical monitoring, engine maintenance, watermaker maintenance, etc.
Full Watch Rotations and Weather Routing — reading weather, logging observations, and using GRIB data and other sources.
You’ll leave with more than certification or a sticker — you’ll leave knowing what an ocean passage truly feels like.
Additional Details
Passage time: ~16 days under sail, plus 6 days for weather routing and approach.
Average run: ~150-250 nm/day with trade winds; 80-120 nm/day at slower speeds during calm or training periods.
Conditions: Cool and variable in the first week with possible heavy weather, turning warmer with steady 15–25 kt trades once we’re south of latitude 35° N. Nights under stars bright enough to navigate by eye; days spent refining trim and tracking clouds for wind shifts.
Wildlife: Expect albatross, porpoises, maybe a pod of orcas early, and flying fish by the second week. There’s always a chance of tuna or mahi on the line.
