Leg 6: Line Islands Exploration
Kiritimati ↔ Tabuaeran (Fanning)
(with potential additional remote stops)
Departure: Wednesday, September 30
Return: Tuesday, October 6
7 days total expedition time
Distance: ~200–450 nm (route dependent)
Cost: $5,900 per single berth
Fly into / out of Kiritimati (CXI)
(Exact routing and stops will depend on weather, permits, and conditions.)
The Expedition
Leg 6 is a rare opportunity: remote Line Islands exploration far from established cruising routes. Departing Kiritimati, we head north toward Tabuaeran (Fanning Island), with flexibility to adjust course depending on conditions and access.
Distances are modest by offshore standards, but this region demands awareness and adaptability. Atoll approaches, reef navigation, anchoring in lightly charted waters, and coordinating shore access in sparsely visited communities define the experience.
If conditions and permits allow, we may attempt a stop at Palmyra Atoll, one of the most isolated and biologically significant coral atolls in the Pacific. While access cannot be guaranteed, its potential inclusion reflects the expeditionary spirit of this leg.
Unlike the sustained crossings earlier in the season, this leg emphasizes exploration over mileage — moving intentionally, adapting to conditions, and embracing the rhythm of remote island sailing.
Timing & Exploration
Offshore segments: 1–2 days between islands, weather dependent
Total expedition duration: 7 days
The schedule allows meaningful time ashore where possible — experiencing local culture in Tabuaeran, exploring reef systems, snorkeling clear lagoon water, and observing life in one of the least-visited island groups in the Pacific.
This is a flexible leg. Routing decisions are made in real time based on weather, access, and safety.
What to Expect
This is a hands-on expedition limited to six crew members with meaningful 1:1 instruction.
Because offshore segments are shorter, this leg is especially well suited for:
• ASA 103 — Basic Coastal Cruising
• ASA 104 — Bareboat Cruising
• ASA 106 — Advanced Coastal Cruising
Crew members will rotate through navigation, helm, sail handling, anchoring procedures, reef awareness, and onboard systems management. Expect practical repetition of coastal seamanship skills in a remote environment.
Conditions & Highlights
Conditions: Warm equatorial waters, moderate trades, occasional squalls
Navigation: Reef pass entries, coral awareness, anchoring in remote lagoons
Water: Clear lagoon snorkeling and reef exploration
Wildlife: Reef fish, rays, seabirds, and intact coral ecosystems
Culture: Small island communities with limited outside visitation
Is This Leg Right for You?
Leg 6 is ideal if you:
• Want a shorter, exploration-focused expedition
• Are excited about visiting remote Pacific atolls few sailors ever reach
• Want strong ASA 103/104/106 training in a real-world environment
• Value flexibility and expedition-style decision making
This is less about big-ocean mileage and more about immersion — remote islands, coral lagoons, and the quiet rhythm of life at the edge of the map.
