Pacific crossing guide

"The Pacific Crossing Guide has guided thousands of mariners across the wide Pacific. Now in its third edition, this trusted classic provides the latest on major routes, piloting information for hundreds of ports and approaches, as well as the latest on rallies, atoll navigation, and Pacific festivals you don't want to miss. The challenges of modern weather patterns (el Nino and la Nina), the unique aspects of Pacific weather, updated communications, and the latest country clearing in steps are explored in depth, as well as vessel stability, current and wind patterns unique to the Pacific, the largest body of water on the planet. Written under the watchful of the RCC Pilotage Foundation, the Pacific Crossing Guide is the definitive word on the best routes and seasons to tackle this ultimate sailing challenge. Extensively illustrated with Navionics harbor charts, and all important mileage charts and routes maps, this is both a hardcore planning guide and a gorgeous dreamer's bible. The whole Pacific is at your fingertips in this updated edition. Dream of your landfall in Fiji and or a cruise around New Zealand. You'll also discover access to hundreds of cruising websites and online cruising guides to further help plan your life on the Pacific. Web links to the best sources for Pacific weather are also included. This edition also features the voices of others who have lived out their dreams and share their experiences, like the Hylas 46 owner who addresses the cyclone season on Vanuatu."--Publisher's description.

Includes index.

Preparations. Casting off -- The Pacific Ocean -- Preparing the boat -- Staying safe -- Navigation and charting -- Communications -- The balance of power -- Routine maintenance and spares -- Provisioning and store keeping -- Common health problems while cruising -- Managing the paperwork -- Cyclone season and laying up -- Passage planning. Pacific weather and weather forecasts -- Ports and harbours -- Routes to the Marquesas -- French Polynesia (the Marquesas, Tuamotus and Society Islands) -- Southern routes via Easter Island or direct -- Bora Bora to Tonga and Samoa via the Cook Islands -- Routes between 'the islands' and New Zealand -- Routes to and from Tasmania and the east coast of Australia -- Routes to and from Hawaii in the East Pacific -- Routes south and west from Hawaii -- Routes north from New Zealand to Japan and Alaska.