Day 1 | Underway at Last!

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

18 Comments
  • Lori Lloyd
    Posted at 06:42h, 10 February Reply

    Mahalo 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 February Reply

    Off 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 February Reply

    Wishing you all a peaceful voyage. Looking forward to your reports.

  • Bruce and Joan kessler
    Posted at 14:08h, 10 February Reply

    Fair winds and following seas

  • Craig Rowell and Cory Ray
    Posted at 15:09h, 10 February Reply

    Bon voyage Star!
    We’ll e following you!
    Love to all💕💕
    Craig and Cory

  • George & Pam M/V Tango
    Posted at 15:11h, 10 February Reply

    Wishing you all the best.

  • Peter K Le Lievre
    Posted at 15:22h, 10 February Reply

    so interesting to follow this journey. Thanks for posting and good luck with the Starlink.

  • Chuck Steward
    Posted at 16:04h, 10 February Reply

    Enjoy your time at sea.Thanks for letting us follow along.
    Chuck and Peggy

  • Tom and Jan White
    Posted at 16:42h, 10 February Reply

    So 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 February Reply

    Safe travels!!!

  • Peter Powell
    Posted at 18:26h, 10 February Reply

    Have a fabulous cruise! Best to Don and Sherry

  • Doug Easton
    Posted at 19:15h, 10 February Reply

    DOUG & MARLENE EASTON
    Hi Don and Sharry
    Best wishes for a fabulous cruise to Japan

  • Denis Umstot
    Posted at 20:45h, 10 February Reply

    A fine beginning.

  • Donna
    Posted at 23:52h, 10 February Reply

    Thanks for the update and pics. Bon voyage! Happy and safe journey!

  • Sarah Layman
    Posted at 04:30h, 11 February Reply

    Sam and Don, wishing you the best quiet successful crossing ever! Be safe!’

  • Gail Hutchinsin Iphone
    Posted at 05:12h, 11 February Reply

    Have a safe and interesting trip !
    Aloha Gail H

  • Herbert Stark
    Posted at 12:12h, 11 February Reply

    Looks 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 February Reply

    Love your posts and look forward to hearing about this adventure!

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