Sailing across the Pacific, from Panama to French Polynesia

Transpacific voyage: from Panama to French Polynesia.

We will make a crossing of the Pacific Ocean divided into two stages, a long one to the Marquesas and a shorter one where we will reach Tahiti, where we will disembark.

Embark on one of the most legendary ocean voyages: the crossing from Panama to French Polynesia. This journey, of approximately 4,000 nautical miles, will take us from the Caribbean to the heart of the South Pacific, exploring unique places such as the remote and paradisiacal Marquesas Islands.

The navigation is planned to take advantage of the best weather conditions and guarantee a safe and enriching experience. Below, we detail the program and the estimated itinerary so that you know what to expect during this great adventure.

Stage 1: Heading to the Marquesas. Distance: 4,000 miles.

An adventure for true explorers. We set off from Panama. Having already crossed the Panama Canal, and following the route, we will skirt the Galapagos Islands, famous for their unique biodiversity, their majestic giant tortoises and their impressive volcanic geography.

From there, we will continue the great Pacific voyage, covering thousands of miles until we reach the Marquesas Islands. This remote archipelago, of volcanic origin, is distinguished by its rugged relief and its imposing cliffs, shaped by the Pacific currents. Made up of six main islands and several islets and reefs, its culture and geography divide it into two distinct groups, offering wild and unexplored landscapes.

Stage 2: From Marquesas to Tahiti via Tuamotu. Distance: 800 miles.

After the Marquesas, we continue our cruise towards the Tuamotu Archipelago, a paradise of crystal-clear waters and coral reefs. Tuamotu, meaning “many islands”, is a vast expanse of atolls surrounded by turquoise lagoons, offering some of the best scenery for diving and underwater exploration.

Our journey concludes in Tahiti, the largest and most vibrant island in French Polynesia. Its gastronomy is a must-try, with the highlight being the traditional poisson cru, an exquisite dish of raw tuna marinated in lemon and coconut milk, served with fresh vegetables. The famous roulottes, small mobile restaurants, offer an authentic taste of local culture.

An unforgettable expedition across the Pacific, exploring legendary islands and discovering some of the most spectacular corners of the planet. Are you ready to set sail?

Plan

Panama - French Polynesia Crossing: An Epic Pacific Crossing

Calendar and timing of the crossing.

Stage 1: Sailing from Panama to the Galapagos Islands - Marquesas Islands.
• Distance to Galapagos: 850 nautical miles
• Estimated duration to Galapagos: 6-10 days, depending on winds and currents.
• During this section, we will cross the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), an area with unstable winds, rain and calm periods.
• The use of motors is expected in some sections due to the possibility of calm weather.
• We will arrive at the Galapagos Islands but we will not make any stops, and we will continue sailing across the Pacific to the Marquesas.
• Distance to Marquesas: 3,000 nautical miles.
• Estimated duration to Marquesas: 3 to 4 weeks of continuous navigation.
• Initial heading: from the Galapagos we will head south or southwest until we reach the southeast trade winds, normally at 3-4° South.
• Waypoint: Upon reaching 6°S / 100°W, we will set a direct course for the Marquesas Islands.
• Expected weather conditions: Southeast trade winds averaging 10-20 knots. Sea swells of 6-9 feet, with occasional periods of rough seas. Possible trough systems with variable winds.
• Expected arrival in the Marquesas around 30-35 days after embarkation.

Stage 2: Sailing from Marquesas to Tahiti

• Distance to Tahiti: 800 nautical miles
• Estimated duration to Tahiti: 7-10 days, depending on winds and currents.
• We will sail towards the Tuamotus to arrive in Tahiti and its capital, Papeete, a perfect place to conclude this second and final stage of our adventure in the South Seas!

Recommendations and Important Considerations
• Navigation conditions: This is a long ocean voyage, where we will experience all types of weather conditions, from calm to periods of rough seas.
• Autonomy: The vessel has enough fuel to cross the ITCZ, where lack of wind is common.
• Safety: We will avoid potentially unsafe areas, such as the Colombian Pacific coast. In addition, communication protocols with the Colombian Navy will be followed when passing through Malpelo Island.
• Crew expectations:
• Navigation watches organized in shifts.
• Participation in maneuvers and tasks on board.
• Team spirit and flexibility in the event of route changes due to weather conditions.

Why join this journey?

✅ You will learn about ocean navigation on one of the most iconic routes in the world.
✅ You will discover unique ecosystems of the Pacific Ocean and French Polynesia.
✅ You will live the experience of crossing the Pacific by sail, with starry skies and infinitely blue waters.
✅ You will be part of an adventurous crew, sharing unforgettable experiences on the high seas.

If you dream of a great ocean voyage, now is the time to make it a reality. Reserve your place and join this adventure on Sailwiz!

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All crew members are welcome, even if they do not know the language spoken on board (spanish)

CHRIS - SKIPPER

Professional Profile
• Holder of the Panama Yacht Captain license up to 200 GT.
• Self-taught captain with over 13,000 nautical miles in coastal and offshore navigation.
• 7 years of charter experience, including an Atlantic crossing, sailing in the Caribbean and French Polynesia.
• Living aboard my Lagoon 410 catamaran since 2017.
• Organized, rigorous and passionate, with the ability to adapt to all types of environments and providing a high level of safety and comfort on board.

Skills

Maritime Skills
• Offshore and coastal navigation.
• Maneuvers of catamarans, sailboats and yachts of up to 200 GT (Panamanian Merchant Marine).
• Preparation and organization of charter cruises.
• Onboard equipment management: maintenance, safety and care.
• Development of customized maritime itineraries according to the client's needs.

Managerial and Organizational Skills
• Organization and management of crews on long-duration missions.
• Logistics management of maritime voyages (supplies, maintenance, equipment).
• High sense of safety: preparation for emergency situations, supervision of passengers.
• Adaptability to multicultural and complex environments.

Transversal Skills
• Initiative and leadership.
• Fluid communication and creation of relationships of trust.
• Rigor and method in mission management (years of experience in private security).
• Physical and mental endurance for demanding navigation.
• Adaptability.

Maritime Professional Experience

Owner and Captain - Catamaran Lagoon 410 s2

Self-taught, international navigation (2017 - Present)
• Management and organization of private cruises (coastal and offshore).
• Crossing the Atlantic (2015) and sailing in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean: Guatemala, Venezuela (Los Roques, Las Aves), Aruba, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin, BVI, San Blas (Panama).
• Exploration of the waters of French Polynesia (Society Islands and Tuamotu).
• Regular maintenance of the Lagoon 410 and technical management on board.
• Assistance to clients on personalized cruises, supervision of activities.
• Preparation of itineraries and logistical organization.
• Training in maritime safety and basic navigation techniques.

Certifications and Diplomas
• Panama Yacht Captain License up to 200 GT (License number: P0118445A).
• SDI Open Water Scuba Diver.
• Sports parachuting instructor (USPA and France) and military (Venezuela, D license).
• Driving license A and B.

Languages
• French: Fluent.
• Spanish: Fluent.
• English: Spoken and read.

Interests
• Water sports: Diving, sailing, snorkelling.
• Precision sports: Skydiving (confirmed experience).
• Other sports: Judo, football, rugby, aikido, krav maga.
• Travel and exploration: Sailing around the world, discovering new cultures and countries (4 years in Venezuela, 7 years in Panama, multiple trips to Africa, Asia, South and North America).

Passionate about sailing and human adventure!

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Boat details

Tayana 58 DS

Since 1973, Ta Yang Yard, located on the southwest coast of Taiwan, has built over 1,400 ocean cruising yachts between 37' and 72', renowned for their quality and seaworthiness. Production of the Tayana 58 Deck Salon began in 2000, offering a perfect balance between elegance and functionality.

Delivered in 2001 to a custom design, the boat has sailed thousands of ocean miles, establishing itself as a true ocean-going cruiser: large, robust, fast and powerful. Designed for short-handed sailing, its intelligent configuration even allows solo manoeuvres with total ease.

As second owners, we carried out a complete refit in 2023, modernizing every detail without losing its essence as a “floating war tank”. Now, the boat is in impeccable condition and fully equipped for long voyages with maximum comfort.

Featured Equipment:

✅ Safe and advanced navigation: New B&G electronics and OpenCPN backup. New furling mainsail, staysail and genoa.
✅ Self-sufficient energy: 3.4 kW of solar panels and 2,600 Ah lithium batteries.
✅ Comfort and technology: Air conditioning, generator, Smart TV, LED lighting, 110V/220V USB/MicroUSB sockets in each cabin, washer/dryer and hot water.
✅ Onboard catering: Barbecue, watermaker, microwave, oven, automatic coffee machine, juice machine, 2 refrigerators and 2 freezers.
✅ State-of-the-art sound and Internet: FUSION audio system with Bluetooth, portable JBL HIFI to take to the islands and Starlink Internet.

It's more than just a boat; it's the definition of a sailing dream come true. Ready to explore the world's most paradisiacal corners in total comfort and style.

Specifications

Model: Tayana - 58DS
Capacity: 8 spots
Length: 18.90 m
Cabins: 4
Year: 2001
Bathrooms: 2

Features

GPS
Radar
Life jackets
VHF
Sounding line
Electric windlass
Autopilot
Wind equipment
EPIRB
Generator
Tender
Bow thruster
Shower
Bimini
Fishing rods
HI-FI equipment
Wifi
TV
Equipo de snorkel

Sailing across the Pacific, from Panama to French Polynesia

Adventure offered by German Diego

Boat details

Additional Information

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