When the plan comes together… or changes

Position: 19°11.7’S 085°42.5’W Course: 265° Speed: 6.5 knots

Today brought a change of course—both literally and figuratively. Instead of sailing on to Tahiti, we’ve set our sights on a new destination: the Marquesan Islands—specifically, the island of Hiva Oa.

Due to unexpected delays clearing out of Chile and a slow start with little wind, it became clear that reaching Tahiti by the 7th of June was no longer feasible. In order to make the most of this leg and the next one toward Hawaii, we’ve decided to head a little farther north.

The Marquesas lie slightly closer to our current position and are more favourably placed for both voyages. This new course gives us more wind on this leg, and fewer miles to sail on the next. A win-win decision. We’ll fly our incoming and outgoing guests to and from the Marquesas—making the most of a rare chance to visit this remote and rugged island group, hidden far from the main routes of the South Pacific.

The Marquesan Islands are famed for their dramatic volcanic landscapes, towering cliffs, and lush, untamed greenery. Ancient tikis—stone statues with enigmatic expressions—stand as silent witnesses to a rich Polynesian history, steeped in myth and mystery. Hiva Oa itself was home to Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel, two artists drawn here by the same wild beauty we now set course for.

Though the change of plans was unexpected, our guests received the news with enthusiasm—especially knowing that, if we make good time, we might get a chance to explore these islands on foot. All the more reason to keep the sails full and the pace high.

And so far, that strategy is working. We had a few hours under engine today to steady the roll and gain some speed, but now we’re back under sail, cruising between 5.8 and 8.5 knots.

On board, spirits are high. A birthday was celebrated in style today (one of the pictures of the day, taken during the midnight celebration)—with cake at breakfast, San Sebastian cheesecake in the afternoon, and a toast accompanied by butterscotch sauce and red wine–poached pears. Simply delicious.

The topsails were reset after coming down yesterday. With the breeze dropped a little again around breakfast, so we made the call to hoist them, and they’ve been drawing nicely ever since.

The weather remains stable: warmer air is flowing in, skies are grey, and winds between east and southeast, force 2 to 4.

All is well aboard, Jet