Since Sail Tahiti took over the organization, the famous Pacific Puddle Jump rally has undergone a transformation marked by a professionalization of the services offered. The aim is to meet the growing expectations of both experienced and novice sailors.
The Pacific Puddle Jump is an emblematic transoceanic rally linking the coasts of America â?" principally California, Mexico and Panama â?" with the archipelagos of French Polynesia. Created in 1997 by Andy Turpin, then editor-in-chief of Latitude 38 magazine, this event brings together some two hundred sailboats each year, all setting off individually, but united by the same goal: to cross the globeâ??s largest ocean in an organized setting, while retaining each crewâ??s own freedom of navigation.
Initially conceived as an informal gathering of yachtsmen eager to share information and good tips, the Pacific Puddle Jump gradually structured its organization, until it became a recognized event in the offshore sailing community. In 2024, Sail Tahiti officially takes up the torch to offer a new version, enriched with unprecedented technical and community support. Sail Tahit is the French Polynesian distributor of Bénéteau Group brands (Beneteau, Excess...), service center, charter agency and boat broker based in Papeete.
Structured support for a more supervised crossing
The formulas set up for the 2026 edition will enable us to adapt our support to the needs of sailors. Position tracking remains accessible to all, thanks to a free package. The classic and premium packages offer more technical services, including weather routing, tutorials and even a concierge service.
This hierarchy of offers enables participants to choose a level of comfort and safety suited to their experience, their boat and their itinerary, particularly for departures from the American continent or Europe.
Integrated digital tools for monitoring and communication
Among the technologies mobilized, the use of Starlink, Predictwind and Seanapps from the Beneteau group creates a continuous information network between sailors, supervisors and relatives on land. This network facilitates weather monitoring, live advice and any remote intervention required.
Networking via an Instagram page and a community group on Seapeople also helps animate exchanges between sailors, share tips and create a collective dynamic.
A commitment to integrating local populations
Sail Tahiti emphasizes the importance of positive spin-offs for the Polynesian archipelagos. The integration of cultural encounters, organized stopovers and good environmental practices aims to strengthen the bond between international yachtsmen and islanders.
This socio-cultural orientation is presented as a major axis of the rally's future development, with a clear ambition: to enrich the navigation experience while respecting the territories crossed.
Logistics backed up by a multidisciplinary team
David and Nikki, founders of Sail Tahiti, have put together a team combining profiles from ocean racing, boat maintenance and hospitality. The aim is to provide participants with the best possible preparation, from pre-start technical checks to welcoming them to Polynesia.
The team's growing expertise is supported by partnerships currently being finalized with equipment manufacturers and shipyards, to optimize the services offered at every stage of the journey.
A logical continuation for Sail Tahiti
Since 2017, Sail Tahiti has been developing services around sailing to Polynesia, with a positioning on sailboat sales, rentals and coaching for travel projects. The takeover of Pacific Puddle Jump marks a natural extension of this expertise across the Pacific.
With almost two hundred boats taking part every year, this transpacific rally is one of the most emblematic events in ocean sailing to French Polynesia.
