Leg 3: Kiritimati to the Marquesas
Departure: Thursday, July 9
Arrival: Wednesday, July 22
13 days total expedition time
Distance: ~1,500 nm
Cost: $7,150 per single berth
Fly into Kiritimati (CXI) | Fly out of Nuku Hiva (NHV)
(We’ll coordinate arrival timing and local logistics once your berth is confirmed.)
The Passage
Leg 3 carries us east from the low coral atoll of Kiritimati into the dramatic volcanic heart of the Marquesas. We depart the Line Islands and commit once again to open ocean, setting course across ~1,500 miles of deep Pacific toward one of the most striking landfalls anywhere in the world.
This is sustained bluewater passagemaking. Expect steady trade winds, long ocean swell, warm equatorial water, and uninterrupted horizons. Routing and timing matter — we monitor trade-wind structure and ITCZ positioning carefully to maintain consistent pressure and avoid light-air bands as we approach French Polynesia.
Watch rotations settle quickly into rhythm: sail trim adjustments, celestial navigation practice, systems checks, and long-range weather interpretation. This leg emphasizes endurance, efficiency, and offshore decision-making over sustained ocean days.
Landfall in the Marquesas is unforgettable. Unlike the gradual rise of an atoll, these islands appear suddenly — dark volcanic ridges lifting thousands of feet straight from deep blue water. Arrival feels dramatic, powerful, and distinctly Polynesian.
Timing & Exploration
Passage time: ~8–10 days under sail, weather dependent
Total expedition duration: 13 days
The remaining time provides routing flexibility and allows us to rest and explore after arrival — hiking lush valleys, experiencing Marquesan culture, and settling into one of the most visually dramatic anchorages in the Pacific.
What to Expect
This is a hands-on expedition limited to six crew members with meaningful 1:1 instruction. You’ll rotate through navigation, weather analysis, systems management, galley, and rigging roles while standing full offshore watch schedules.
Instruction typically includes:
• Offshore watch-standing in sustained trade winds
• Advanced weather interpretation and routing strategy
• Celestial navigation practice in open-ocean conditions
• Sail trim and performance management over extended runs
• Real-world passagemaking routines and onboard leadership
Optional ASA certifications (including ocean passagemaking and celestial navigation, depending on experience) may be available on this leg.
Conditions & Highlights
Average run: ~140–170 nm/day
Conditions: Warm, steady trades with occasional squalls near the convergence zone
Skies: Brilliant offshore star fields and clear equatorial nights
Wildlife: Flying fish, tuna, dolphins, and seabirds as we approach land
Is This Leg Right for You?
Leg 3 is ideal if you:
• Want a true offshore passage without the longer North Pacific crossing of Leg 1
• Are excited about sustained bluewater sailing and landfall in a dramatic volcanic archipelago
• Are ready to contribute fully to crew life — cooking, cleaning, trimming sails, learning daily
You don’t need to be an expert sailor — but you should be eager to participate and comfortable with the reality of offshore cruising: shifting weather, salt air, long watches, and the satisfaction that comes from doing it well.
