No matter where I am in the world, departure day always brings a few nerves. It never seems to change. But as soon as the anchor is up, the sails are drawing, and the boat is underway, the stress fades and a smile takes its place.
Those pre-departure jitters serve a purpose, though. They make me slow down, double-check every system, and comb through the boat one last time to make sure nothing has been overlooked.
I’m now officially checked out of French Polynesia. Technically, once your clearance papers are stamped, you have 24 hours to leave the country. I’ve also heard that remaining in French Polynesian waters for a short time isn’t an issue, as long as you don’t go ashore—but I’m ready to point the bow west-south-west.
Over the past few days at the Bloody Mary’s moorage, I’ve met several fellow cruisers preparing for the same weather window. Sailors from Lithuania, Australia, Spain, and the United States are all setting off for the Cook Islands, Niue, or Tonga. Knowing there will be other boats making the passage at the same time is reassuring. Even though we will each be sailing our own course across a vast ocean, it’s comforting to know I won’t be completely alone out there.
Tomorrow, the lines come off, the anchor comes up, and another part of this chapter begins. This will be my longest SOLO sail ever!
Sailaway Sarantium 
Exciting! May you have good wind and reasonable seas.
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