Day 1 | Underway at Last!

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