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frequently asked questions
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faq
What is the Pacific Puddle Jump?
The Pacific Puddle Jump is an iconic transoceanic rally that connects the coasts of the Americas (mainly California, Mexico, and Panama) to the archipelagos of French Polynesia. Created in 1997 by Andy Turpin, then editor-in-chief of Latitude 38 magazine, this event brings together around 200 sailboats each year, setting off individually on a collective adventure across the world’s largest ocean.
The rally covers approximately 3,800 nautical miles to the Marquesas Islands and allows sailors to discover the 118 paradise islands of French Polynesia. More than 4,000 sailors have already trusted the Pacific Puddle Jump to transform this epic journey into a voyage of exploration.
When does the Pacific Puddle Jump take place?
The PPJ is a “free” rally with no fixed start or finish date or location. Each skipper decides their own route and destinations.
PPJ sailors begin their crossings between February and May from various ports along the west coast of the Americas, depending on their schedule and weather forecasts. The most popular departure points are:
• Panama City, Panama (mainly February-March)
• Bahía de Banderas, Mexico (mainly April)
• California
Who organizes the Pacific Puddle Jump?
Starting in 2026, Sail Tahiti will take over the organization of the Pacific Puddle Jump. This transition marks a professionalization of services as well as an update of the tools used to assist sailors.
What are the new services and packages offered?
Choose your transpacific adventure according to your needs: The TUMU format offers the essentials for an independent crossing, perfect for sailors who want to join the club. The MANAVA format combines peace of mind and discovery with weekly weather briefings and more than 200 preferred partners in Polynesia for an enriching experience. The AUPURU format represents absolute excellence with its pre-departure check-up, personalized routing, hotline at sea, and comprehensive administrative support for a confident crossing.
Are there any requirements to participate?
No, there are no requirements set by the PPJ organization. Each skipper and/or vessel owner assumes full responsibility for equipment choices, routing strategies, departure dates, and stopovers.
What first aid equipment should be brought along?
As a recommendation only, participants should ensure they have the appropriate safety equipment, including:
• Personal flotation devices
• Fire extinguishers
• Communication equipment
• First aid equipment
What are the safety services?
Fleet tracking system developed by :
How does the crossing work?
- Distance: 3,500 to 4,000 nautical miles depending on the starting point
- Average duration: Variable depending on conditions, generally several weeks
- Main route: To the Marquesas Islands or the Gambier Archipelago
- Reports of winds above 30 knots is rare
- Main concerns include the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)
- The northeast trade winds generally provide good sailing conditions
What events, seminars, and webinars are being organized?
Departure events
- Free informative webinars in November organized by the PPJ.
- Free informative webinar in November: Presentation of destinations in western Polynesia (Fiji, Tonga, NZ)
- Meet & Greet Events organized from January to June in the US, Mexico, Panama, and the archipelagos of French Polynesia.
Arrival event
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- Tahiti-Moorea Sailing Rendezvous (early July): three-day event celebrating the arrival of PPJ sailors. (Program: Polynesian dances, introductions to ancestral Polynesian sports, meals, etc.) – Pre-registration included in Manava & Aupuru Rallye
Service center
SAILTAHITI.COM
The transpacific has taken its toll on your boat and you need some parts or repairs?
Sail Tahiti is the official service center for Beneteau, Excess, Lagoon. We also work with many other prestigious yards including Seawinds, Privilege, Neel Trimarans, Outremer Catamarans. Our team specializes in electronics, energy onboard, plumbing, composite work and we coordinate complete refits including rigging, sails, woodwork and mechanics.
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A strong sense of community and mutual support binds the crews, who share information and experiences. It's the realization of a long-standing project, sailing to the Polynesian islands and beyond..
