Tomorrow I will make landfall at the island of Fatu Hiva, Marquesas and, as you might imagine, I am both excited and anxious. This island was chosen because it is the most windward, allowing the other islands in the group to be visited by sailing downwind. Although Fatu Hiva is not an official entry point, the word on the cruising grapevine is that the local gendarme does not care as long as boats stay only a few days before moving on to complete the formalities in Hiva Oa farther north.

Fatu Hiva is said to be well worth the stop because it makes for a stunning landfall, rising 3100 ft from a base of only 30 sq mi. There is a decent anchorage but no facilities except for maybe a shop or two.

Sailing the past 36 hours has been exhilarating with 18-24 knots of wind on the beam. My daily distance was 128 miles for an average speed of 5.3 kts. I am actually trying to slow the boat down so as not to make landfall during darkness. The plan is to "heave to" and sleep about 30 miles offshore allowing me to arrive in Fatu Hiva about midday on Friday.

All else onboard is well.