Sailing from Berkeley to Hawaii in a 19ft Sailboat
2 days ago
- #sailing
- #adventure
- #navigation
- A consulting geologist recounts his 24-day solo sailing voyage from Berkeley, California to Hilo, Hawaii in a West Wight Potter 19 sailboat named 'Chubby'.
- The voyage covered 2142 nautical miles, with preparations including safety modifications, provisioning, and route planning based on Jimmy Cornell's World Cruising Routes.
- Key modifications to the boat included additional cockpit drains, raised cabin freeboard, and multiple jacklines for safety and cargo security.
- The journey faced initial calms and light winds but later benefited from steady trade winds, averaging 12-16 knots.
- Navigation relied on GPS units, paper charts, and celestial navigation, with backup safety equipment including an EPIRB, flares, and VHF radios.
- Provisions included 40 days of food and water, with a reverse osmosis water maker for emergencies.
- The boat performed well in open ocean conditions despite being designed as a coastal cruiser, with no major mishaps.
- The author reflects on lessons learned, including the importance of battery checks, backup power, and professional weather routing.
- Acknowledgments are given to supporters, including the boat's manufacturer, friends, and his wife Naomi, who surprised him by meeting him in Hilo.