Leg 7: Kiritimati (Christmas Island) to Maui
Departure: Wednesday, October 14
Arrival: Monday, October 26
12 days total expedition time
Distance: ~1,250 nm
Cost: $7,150 per single berth
Fly into Kiritimati (CXI) | Fly out of Maui (OGG)
(We’ll coordinate arrival timing and logistics once your berth is confirmed.)
The Passage
Leg 7 closes the Pacific arc — a true offshore crossing from the Line Islands back to Hawaiʻi.
Departing Kiritimati’s vast lagoon, we set a north–northeast course toward Maui, re-entering the North Pacific and crossing the International Date Line eastbound, gaining a calendar day as we return toward Hawaiʻi.
Unlike the westbound tradewind runs earlier in the season, this leg often involves reaching or close-reaching angles as we work into the northeast trade pattern. Sail balance, reefing strategy, and performance management become central — maintaining boat speed and comfort while managing apparent wind and sea state.
Full offshore watch rotations resume immediately. We refine weather interpretation, monitor trade-wind structure and high-pressure positioning, and adjust routing to maintain efficient progress toward the islands.
Landfall in Hawaiʻi is powerful. After days at sea, the high green slopes of Maui rise sharply from the horizon — a dramatic return to volcanic terrain and a fitting close to the offshore season.
Timing & Exploration
Passage time: ~8–10 days under sail, weather dependent
Total expedition duration: 12 days
The remaining time provides routing flexibility and ensures we arrive in Maui rested and safely positioned rather than rushing weather windows.
What to Expect
This is a hands-on expedition limited to six crew members with meaningful 1:1 instruction.
Crew rotate through navigation, weather analysis, systems oversight, galley, and rigging roles while standing full offshore watch schedules.
Instruction typically includes:
• Eastbound trade-wind routing strategy
• Apparent-wind sail trim and reaching performance
• Heavy-weather decision making and reefing discipline
• Offshore systems management and redundancy planning
• Celestial navigation under open-ocean skies
Optional ASA certifications may be available depending on experience and goals.
Conditions & Highlights
Average run: ~130–170 nm/day
Conditions: Warm tropical departure, gradually moderating toward Hawaiʻi
Milestone: International Date Line crossing (eastbound)
Wildlife: Flying fish, tuna, dolphins, seabirds
Skies: Clear Pacific night passages and final offshore sunrises
Is This Leg Right for You?
Leg 7 is ideal if you:
• Want a classic offshore return passage to Hawaiʻi
• Enjoy active sail trim and performance-focused sailing
• Value the rhythm and discipline of multi-day watch schedules
• Want to close the season with a true ocean crossing
This leg brings the expedition full circle — from remote atolls back to high volcanic islands — carrying with it the miles, experience, and perspective gained across the Pacific.
