China to Philippines: A Daring Catamaran Voyage

We’ve just been handed our brand new HH44 Catamaran (a 2 year dream in the making). And we only have 3 days before we must sail the boat out of the country. Most sailors would take it slow for the shakedown period and coastal cruise for the first month or so while they get to know the vessel. But, we don’t have that luxury. Because this boat was built for export and once completed, it must be exported out of the country. So no local cruising for us. Due to the weather patterns and time of year, our best option right now is to sail the 600+ miles across the South China Sea, through the Taiwan Straits (notoriously treacherous bit of water) and into the Philippines. That’s one helluva first sail!  Welcome to the world S/V CURIOSITY. In other words this is not a shakedown cruise. This is a multi-day Bluewater passage that will have to serve as our shakedown. Goodbye China and hello Philippines.