10 Feb Day 1 | Underway at Last!
Starr motored away from Waikiki Yacht Club at 1000 on Wednesday, February 9th! Friends joined us on the dock beforehand to wish us a safe, pleasant, and fun trip.
Chris Clothier, Don, Sharry, Andy and Debbie Howard
The last few days before departing on a major cruise always seem exhausting. At times it seemed like there would always be “one more” shopping trip. As the lockers, fridge, and freezers filled to overflowing, we said “enough!”
We aren’t going to starve!
It’s not just food. Spare parts, consumables, cleaning products, personal products, etc. all must be purchased, cataloged, and stored securely. We are very excited to be getting out of credit card range and the multiple daily shopping trips!
This is my longest ocean passage to date and my first on Starr. Weather planning for an 18-day, 3300nm ocean crossing is different than for coastal cruising. Weather forecasts, despite significant improvements over recent years, still can’t predict 18 days out with any accuracy. So, we select routes and seasons that have low probabilities of hazardous weather, look for anomolous weather patterns, and go to sea on a boat that is designed, constructed, and maintained for ocean travel. We also remain flexible. If we need to divert to Majuro (1200nm closer than Guam), we will.
The weather for our departure looked a little bumpier than I hoped. The models showed 25-35 knots with closely spaced 10+ foot following seas. These conditions aren’t particularly challenging for Starr, but calmer is always appreciated by the crew. We looked at it as an opportunity to test things out before we got far from Hawaii.
We started out slow–1250 rpm, 5gph, and about 7.5 knots. Conditions built as we motored away from the lee of Oahu. Eventually we sped up to 1550rpm–9 knots and 8.5gph–not because we’re in a rush, but because the stabilizers are much more effective at higher speeds. We’ll probably have to slow back down later on to save some fuel, but we’re enjoying the improved motion aboard.
Dolphins escorted us out of Hawaii:
And our first sunset of this passage:
All is well aboard Starr. She’s a very quiet boat, tracks like she’s on rails with barely any rudder movement, and has plenty of room for our crew of five to spread out. Starlink is working well so far 300nm out of Honolulu.
–Sam
Lori Lloyd
Posted at 06:42h, 10 FebruaryMahalo Sam for your log, photos/video and getting underway. Best wishes to all the crew for good fun!
Milt & Judy
Posted at 12:50h, 10 FebruaryOff to a great start, Starr crew. Looking forward to following your progress all the way. Wishing you a smooth and trouble-free passage!
Geoff and Candace Daigle
Posted at 13:12h, 10 FebruaryWishing you all a peaceful voyage. Looking forward to your reports.
Bruce and Joan kessler
Posted at 14:08h, 10 FebruaryFair winds and following seas
Craig Rowell and Cory Ray
Posted at 15:09h, 10 FebruaryBon voyage Star!
We’ll e following you!
Love to all💕💕
Craig and Cory
George & Pam M/V Tango
Posted at 15:11h, 10 FebruaryWishing you all the best.
Peter K Le Lievre
Posted at 15:22h, 10 Februaryso interesting to follow this journey. Thanks for posting and good luck with the Starlink.
Chuck Steward
Posted at 16:04h, 10 FebruaryEnjoy your time at sea.Thanks for letting us follow along.
Chuck and Peggy
Tom and Jan White
Posted at 16:42h, 10 FebruarySo happy we can follow your wonderful journey. Thanks for sharing with us boaters who wish we could be with you.
Julie Irwin
Posted at 17:55h, 10 FebruarySafe travels!!!
Peter Powell
Posted at 18:26h, 10 FebruaryHave a fabulous cruise! Best to Don and Sherry
Doug Easton
Posted at 19:15h, 10 FebruaryDOUG & MARLENE EASTON
Hi Don and Sharry
Best wishes for a fabulous cruise to Japan
Denis Umstot
Posted at 20:45h, 10 FebruaryA fine beginning.
Donna
Posted at 23:52h, 10 FebruaryThanks for the update and pics. Bon voyage! Happy and safe journey!
Sarah Layman
Posted at 04:30h, 11 FebruarySam and Don, wishing you the best quiet successful crossing ever! Be safe!’
Gail Hutchinsin Iphone
Posted at 05:12h, 11 FebruaryHave a safe and interesting trip !
Aloha Gail H
Herbert Stark
Posted at 12:12h, 11 FebruaryLooks like the trip of a lifetime. Willie and I will be following along. Good Luck, and thanks for keeping us on your email list.
Wendy Barry
Posted at 21:13h, 11 FebruaryLove your posts and look forward to hearing about this adventure!