2026 Leg 4 Brief — Rangiroa → Kiritimati (Line Islands)
Leg 4: Rangiroa, Tuamotus (French Polynesia) to Kiritimati / Christmas Island (Republic of Kiribati)
Departure: Wednesday August 5, 2026
Arrival: Monday August 17, 2026
Duration: 11 days
Distance: ~1,200 nm planned sailing (rhumb-line/direct ~1,050 nm)
Berths: 4 available
Cost: $7,150 per single berth
Fly into: Rangiroa (RGI)
Fly out of: Kiritimati / Christmas Island (CXI)
(We’ll help coordinate arrival/departure timing and local transport details once you confirm your berth.)
The Passage
Leg 4 is a beautiful blend of atoll cruising and classic bluewater sailing. We begin by working our way west through a slice of the Tuamotus — short island hops that let us stretch our sea legs, practice reef navigation, and soak up a bit more of this coral-world magic before turning toward the wider Pacific to cross the equator a second time this season. Exact atolls visited will depend on conditions, but the intent is to enjoy a few meaningful Tuamotu stops before the offshore run.
After those early landfalls, the rhythm shifts into a long, steady trade-wind run west across open ocean toward the Line Islands. This is the deep work of passagemaking: watch rotations, sail balance, daily weather reads, and the quiet satisfaction of miles rolling under the keel. The trades are typically consistent and reliable, giving us an ideal platform for learning performance downwind sailing and the routines that keep an ocean boat safe, fast, and comfortable for weeks at a time.
After days of open horizon, Kiritimati appears low and pale ahead — a vast coral atoll rising only a few feet above sea level. Landfall here feels like sailing into a different world: a huge lagoon, endless reef edges, and a level of quiet isolation that’s becoming rare on this planet.
Seamanship & Learning Focus
Koru Expeditions is not a staffed luxury cruise. You’ll be part of a working crew, actively involved in every aspect of the passage.
On Leg 4, that means strong emphasis on:
Offshore routine + watch-standing in steady trade winds
Downwind sail trim and performance (poling out, reefing strategy, sail balance)
Weather interpretation and daily route decisions in the trades
Nav systems + real-world ocean decision making (including redundancy, troubleshooting, confidence underway)
Passagemaking life as a crew: provisioning rhythms, galley rotation, maintenance, teamwork
Optional ASA certifications are available on this leg (including ocean passagemaking / celestial navigation depending on your experience and goals).
Diving & Underwater World
Because we start with a bit of Tuamotu cruising, there’s a real chance for early snorkels and lagoon time before we head offshore. Expect clear water, reef edges, and the kind of casual “jump in whenever we can” ocean living that makes these atolls so special.
Leg 4 is still primarily an offshore sailing leg, but arriving in Kiritimati opens the door to some of the Pacific’s most pristine reef systems. As timing and conditions allow, we’ll aim to get underwater on arrival — whether that’s snorkeling the lagoon edges or diving the outer reef.
Kiritimati is the world’s largest coral atoll, known for clear water, rich reef life, and a feeling of true wildness. You can expect warm water, healthy coral, and the kind of “empty-ocean” scale that makes even a simple snorkel feel like an expedition.
(PADI instruction can be integrated by request; we’ll coordinate specifics with you ahead of departure.)
Is This Leg Right for You?
Leg 4 is ideal if you:
want a true bluewater passage, with a taste of Tuamotu island-hopping at the start
are excited about learning the systems and routines that make long crossings work
want to experience a rare kind of landfall — remote atoll sailing far from crowds
are ready to contribute to crew life — cooking, cleaning, sail handling, 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, long days, salt, sweat, and the satisfaction that comes with doing it for real.
Logistics Notes
Arrivals: Fly into Rangiroa (RGI). We’ll share recommended arrival windows and local transfer guidance once you’re booked.
Departures: Fly out of Kiritimati (CXI).
Provisioning: We’ll provision together in Rangiroa before departure.
What to pack: You’ll receive a detailed gear list, but plan for full tropical sun protection, light offshore layers, and anything you like for long evenings under the stars.
Communications: Limited connectivity offshore; you’ll be fully in expedition mode. That said, about an hour a day Starlink will be available.
How to Join
If this leg resonates, the next step is to secure your berth with a refundable $1,000 deposit and schedule a call with Ken and Renée. We’ll confirm fit, answer questions, and share the full pre-departure packet.
