This Is It. We’re Crossing the Pacific

In Santa Cruz, the crew of Sailing Big Lost prepared their catamaran for the long passage across the Pacific toward the Marquesas. The fuel boat arrived in the anchorage to top off their tanks, while Connor climbed the mast one final time to inspect the standing rigging and ensure everything was secure. Below deck, Ben downloaded shows to watch on passage. As departure drew near, the reality of the crossing set in: “There’s a moment when leaving stops feeling like an idea and starts becoming real.”

Before casting off, the family reflected on the months of work that brought them to this departure point. As the crew noted while finishing their preparations, “We’ve spent months getting ready and somehow it still doesn’t feel like enough.”

Exploring Sierra Negra and the Galapagos

Before setting sail, the family spent time ashore exploring the island terrain. They hiked down into the Sierra Negra caldera to inspect active sulfur vents, observing yellow mineral deposits scattered across the ground. Taking in the vast expanse, the crew noted that the geological feature ranks as the 42nd largest volcano on Earth. Between hikes, the kids took their first surf lessons, catching waves and picking up the fundamentals much faster than anticipated.

The crew also headed up into the highlands for a horseback excursion in the rain. As they noted on the trail, “Maddie’s been wanting to ride since Honduras.” The misty volcanic rim reminded the family of geological landscapes back home, specifically Craters of the Moon.

Departing Santa Cruz for the Marquesas

Just after noon, the catamaran departed Santa Cruz to begin the crossing of more than 3000 nautical miles across the Pacific Ocean. Once clear of the harbor, the boat settled onto a port tack close reach, tracking along with favorable current. Navigating past Isla Isabella, the final island in the Galapagos chain, the crew prepared for strong beam currents that would set them southward toward favorable winds for the long passage to the Marquesas.

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