Lifelong friends, Jerry and Conceicao, after spending time and experiencing the "Free Spirit" sailing lifestyle, flew back home from the South Pacific and got busy having a new high performance 65ft catamaran "Mauliola" built.
Jerry, a total perfectionist, made sure "Mauliola" was built to be, not only comfortable, but also, extremely fast and safe. This is not an easy feat as speed generally means sacrificing comfort.
As I was finishing up my "Free Spirit" adventure, I received a call from Jerry to join them for another run through the South Pacific. This time to be done in sections over time. First, Galapagos Islands – Marquesas Islands – Tuamotus Islands where "Mauliola" would spend the season. Then crossing from the Marquesas to Hawaii in the northern hemisphere until the season was favourable to sail south again for the Tonga Island group. After time there, and possibly Fiji, the plan would be to head south to New Zealand for the summer season.
Breaking it up like this meant that I could fly in for the big crossings, enjoying the most beautiful sailing area in the world...the South Pacific... on a crazy exciting catamaran while also getting to play around in the islands awhile before flying back home to be with the family. This plan worked well.
"Mauliola" was first launched in Newport Beach, where I was able to join in on the sea trials to start learning about all the features. Next, she went down the west coast to Costa Rica for additional sailing and a chance to get better acquainted with a very high-tech powerful boat. Jerry and small crew made the short sail across to the Galapagos Islands where I flew in to join them.
The 3,000 mile crossing to the Marquesas turned out to be one the greatest few days of sailing I’ve ever experienced. Once we got past the expected first couple of days of doldrums, the trade winds filled in, and it was South Pacific sailing at its’ finest.
I will never forget nights sailing in clear skies full of stars, a bit of moon shining across the ocean, 25-30kt+ winds, 20-30kts of boat speed surfing a 65’ catamaran down big waves all night. Words can’t accurately describe the feeling, but I’d love to be doing it again.
The entire time spent on "Mauliola" sailing through the islands again was just such an incredible experience and opportunity. I am forever grateful to Jerry and Conceicao!
Russell