Marshall Islands Never Never Land

Dates Feb 24 - Mar 6, 2015 (10 days)
Ports of CallMajuro
Air80.9 F
Water79.7 F
Mean Avg Wind14.1 E
Miles150

On our first voyage around the world our time in the Marshalls made it to the very tippy top of the top of the list for wave kiting. Strong steady winds that come in 8 to 10 day cycles with no slacking even at night; combined with the entire Pacific ocean fetch that allows regular winter swells from the Artic; and the absolute void of other recreational boats make this a prime spot for wave and lagoon kiting. But the Marshalls are a lot more. The best, most intact pristine reefs we found in 13 years of sailing were also found in the Marshalls which made for absolutely stunning underwater forays. The atolls that have not sold out to mega commercial fishing interests (Taiwan, Korea, Japan) have some of the healthiest tuna populations we ever saw. Sadly many of them have. But there are few places left in the world where money can't buy you anything, and a big fish goes a lot farther for trading than a wad of bills, and we think that's pretty special indeed.

For some images and stories from the last time around, check out "Legends at the Abyss"

The downside? Long distances between atolls; very meager provisions on Majuro (the outer islands have only coconuts); some very uncomfortable anchorages; some very tricky launches; considerable risk of violent squalls; and some very sharky reef passes. We recommend the Marshall legs for those members who really are seeking some epic adventure but also everything that goes along with it- the good and bad. This is one of the hardest places we operate and it's just impossible to guarantee conditions. Logistically it doesn't get much more difficult.

This trip begins in an atoll we can't name- if we can get you in by air. If not, we'll figure something else out. There is little reason to travel more than a few miles. When you arrive you'll see why. Getting you out however requires a couple of big sails to Kwajalein, a US military base where we'll drop you off on one of the saddest most soul-destroying villages you've ever seen; via another stop we can't name, but watch the video below and you'll get an idea for what you're in for. And that's about all we can say. This trip in particular demands very strong kiting and wave skills and a strong stomach for the sailing. We recommend this one for only the most adventurous.

Inbound airport is Majuro (MAJ), outbound is Kwajalien (KWA) which is serviced directly from Honolulu (on the inbound) by United Airlines, and via Guam on the Outbound.

PLEASE bring some gifts for the children- school supplies, books, etc. Do NOT bring candy and plasticky junk as it will cause fights and trash cannot be recycled.

Here's a little taste of what we found the last time around:



Pluses

  • Friendly locals
  • Insane waves
  • Insanely remote
  • Pretty much just insane

Minuses

  • Expert conditions
  • Lack of Provisions
  • Rough open water sailing
  • Sharky
  • Tricky Boat launches
  • Very rolly Anchorages

Reservations

ReservedReserved
ReservedReserved
Cabin 1 - Patagonia - Guests: Patagonia
Cabin 3 - Patagonia - Guests: Patagonia
Cabin 4 - Patagonia - Guests: Patagonia