Real life sailing stories: a dream delivery to Hawaii
As dawn breaks and casts a soft glow of orange and pink over the Pacific, Tor Johnson stands on the deck of Yo-Lyla, taking in that very serene moment which marks the start of a remarkable two-week-long journey.
Johnson is not your typical sailor. He has spent his life mastering the world's waters and now calls the Hawaiian islands home. His passion for the ocean shines through his photography, which he pursues alongside his wife, Kyoko, while steering yachts from their origin to their future owners. The voyage we join Tor has a specific purpose, driven by a request from his friend Michael, who asked for his newly acquired Hanse 458 'Yo-Lyla' to be delivered from San Diego, California, to Maui, Hawaii.
A closer look at the Hanse 458
Michael's choice of the Hanse 458 was influenced by his uncompromising standards for modern elegance and quality of life. This model is built for long-distance travel and features spacious, stylish interiors complemented by a powerful rig for responsive handling. The yacht's well-appointed galley, comfortable seating areas, and ample natural light cater to sailors eager for adventure without compromising comfort or safety.
With the Hanse 458 earning its status as a legacy yacht, the Hanse 460 and the Hanse 410 emerged as successors, each introducing fresh innovations and designs. The 460 model features Berret-Racoupeau's sleek, sportier profile and stands out for its modern aesthetics, superior performance, as well as a focus on durability and ease of sailing. Meanwhile, the Hanse 410 sets a new standard for onboard luxury, offering the largest owner's cabin in its class. Like its predecessors, it emphasises spaciousness and boasts a thoughtfully configured cockpit layout.
Forming the sailing crew
Tor carefully curated a team for his mission, picking each member for their specialised capabilities to enrich the collective spirit of the group. This included:
Navy veteran Tracy brought discipline, a wealth of maritime knowledge, and invaluable experience navigating challenging conditions.
Donna contributed a deep understanding of wind patterns and sea behaviour, the ability to read the ocean's moods, and a knack for precision sailing techniques.
Lydia was a sailing greenhorn who brought fresh energy and a keen willingness to learn.
Preparing to sail from San Diego to Hawaii
As with any other voyage, this trans-Pacific crossing required careful planning and a comprehensive understanding of the vessel’s capabilities. Tor Johnson and his crew kicked things off with a sea trial off Point Loma, California, which allowed them to familiarise themselves with Yo-Lyla, its handling characteristics, and how it responded to various conditions. Their preparation included a thorough inspection of the entire rigging, steering mechanisms, engine, and all onboard systems to confidently address any challenges, whether from sudden storms or navigational adjustments needed during the night hours.
Moreover, considering this was the sailing boat’s first offshore trip, the team focused on equipping the vessel with essential safety gear, such as life jackets, emergency beacons, and other items like bedsheets, storage boxes, groceries, and medical supplies. As the crew started adjusting, they encountered the inevitable adversities that came with adapting to a constantly moving environment. The initial days were, therefore, marked by the collection of first bruises, and as Tor observed,
"After this, we acclimated to the rhythm of life at sea, taking care of the many things that needed doing."
Daily life at sea: routines and revelations
As Yo-Lyla made its way across the North Pacific, life at sea unfolded under a carefully structured watch plan. This regimen enabled Tor to oversee operations with order and vigilance while making sure they were ready to handle any emerging issues. Consequently, the crew stuck to a rotation schedule, diligently keeping an eye on the horizon while carrying out regular navigation checks and maintenance tasks.
Things to do while sailing
Beyond the rigour of daily responsibilities, the team found creative ways to adapt to their environment. This included swimming breaks in the boundless blue whenever conditions were favourable. Fishing soon became another activity that blended seamlessly into their routine.
One of Tor's standout encounters happened over 1,000 miles (ca. 1,609 km) from the nearest shore when a large Mahi Mahi leapt from the water to snatch their lure. Needless to say, this catch secured a supply of meals for the days ahead, and it allowed him to share his love for Poisson Cru - a traditional Tahitian dish of lime-cured fish with vegetables and coconut milk
The culinary quests didn't stop with seafood. In fact, Lydia took on the challenge of baking bread aboard. Ingeniously, she transformed the cockpit bench into a makeshift workstation, where she could knead the dough against the backdrop of the open sea.
The group's creativity extended to crafting practical gear for everyday hurdles using available materials such as ropes, elastics, and bungee cords. Among these creations were devices to anchor coffee mugs on tables and prevent them from tumbling during rough seas, as well as handholds designed to steady movement throughout the yacht.
Navigating Cortes Bank
As expected, the journey presented its share of difficulties. Early in the voyage, the team confronted the significant obstacle of Cortes Bank — a notorious shallow reef positioned merely 100 miles (ca. 161 km) off the Californian coast. This area is infamous for its towering waves, capable of ending many sailing journeys even in perfect calm.
Arriving in O‘ahu, Hawaii
The final approach brought them beneath O’ahu's iconic Diamond Head.
Reaching the Aloha State marked the completion of a rugged yet exhilarating passage spanning 2,500 nautical miles. The moment the silhouette of Maui's peaks came into view signified the return to familiar shores, and undoubtedly, this stirred a profound sense of accomplishment among the crew.
Diamond Head Mountain is a 300,000-year-old landmark formed by a series of small volcanic eruptions on Oahu that resulted in three notable craters: Punchbowl, Diamond Head, and Koko Head. Its name originated in the 1820s when British sailors mistook calcite crystals found in the crater for diamonds.
Michael and his wife Kyoko welcomed the voyagers with traditional flower leis and bottles of champagne to celebrate the safe and successful completion of their 16-day odyssey — a triumph that filled the sailors with pride and infused Michael and his family with excitement for the adventures that lay ahead.
Find more about Hanse Yachts: