Clear THINKING

During many years of sailing in the Pacific, I’ve learned that it’s possible to stay in the islands without unnecessary cyclone risks.

Birgit Hackl

Watch out for that branch!” Christian hurried to the starboard side, boat hook in hand. He fended off the threatening greenery while I slowly steered us through a 20-foot-wide entrance fringed by limestone cliffs. Our 41 Sparkman & Stephens, Pitufa, is narrow, just 12 feet, 7 inches wide, but the rocks felt close enough to touch as I made a U-turn. Finally the basin opened up, and we anchored in 23 feet on a sandy bottom. Next came taking the dinghy around the basin, looking for a place to attach chain and wire loops around rocks to secure our boat in a spiderweb of lines. Fortunately this was a dress rehearsal—no cyclone was forecast—but we at least knew where we would hide in a worst-case scenario as we enjoyed our…

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Cruising World (Digital) - 1 Issue, January/February 2025

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