Update from Pacific Puddle Jump Forum

I have just posted a letter I received from the Pacific puddle jump. We get periodic updates. SV Soulstice has continued to consider going to French Polynesia but it seems unlikely. We will reevaluate come next spring but we are thinking Alaska may be a more likely destination from Hawaii unless things have a significant change. 

I have been delinquent on a post of Kauai as my Internet on the boat does not afford me updating on the cloud and I need a better Wi-Fi connection to add pictures. Basically, I just need to get my butt in a coffee shop and spend some time but I have not ha ha! Mostly due to the expensive coffee 😳, it is free on Soulstice. 

I hope everyone stays safe out there. There is lots of humans on Hawaii and so lots of Delta probably roaming around. We are trying to remain cautious and feel most safe on the boat despite being vaccinated. 

We are still in Kauai, in the lovely Hanalei Bay. The trade winds are strong and breezy a.k.a. 25 to 30 kn. They are supposed to lay down Sunday giving us a potential weather window to sail to Oahu and put Soulstice in a slip. 

The tropical kitchen has been very busy outside of Mexico but luckily nothing has developed close to Hawaii. The water temp is too cold. We may get some remnants of precipitation from these systems. Kauai gets a fair bit of consistent precipitation as it is so if you’re doing rain catchment you’re very successful! 

PACIFIC PUDDLE JUMP NOTIFICATION 

“Bonjour,

Update on French Polynesia.  In brief, there are no changes to report touching the entry of Yachts coming from foreign ports.

The number of cases has jumped sharply in the last two weeks.  We are today at 1563 active cases, early in July we had only 9.  So, it appears the delta variant is the cause.  28% of the population are vaccinated and health officials are upping the pace on getting more people vaccinated.  Gathering in groups has been restricted again and Bars and Disco were closed again.  The authorities have stated they are committed to trying to keep the country open for tourism but, if need be, they will close things down again to stop the rapid rise in cases which will overwhelm the medial care system.

So, as far as the Yachting community is concerned, nothing has changed.  The maritime borders are still closed.  Yachts can still request permission to enter via the DPAM directly or with the aid of an agency.  The requirement to show imperative need is still in effect.

Cheers, Kevin.

Yacht Services Nuku Hiva
BP 301 Taiohae, 98742 Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia”