East Asia is one of sailing's great frontiers: technically demanding, logistically complex, and rewarding in ways that more heavily-cruised regions cannot match. These guides cover the practical realities — customs procedures, typhoon avoidance, language barriers, marina infrastructure, and the specific passages and anchorages that make each destination worth the effort.
Sailing Japan: Seto Inland Sea, Okinawa, and the North
The 450km sheltered passage of the Seto Inland Sea, the tropical Ryukyu Islands, Hokkaido's summer season, and everything you need to know about clearing customs with a foreign yacht.
- 3,000 islands in the Seto Inland Sea
- Typhoon season June–October
- Okinawa: year-round sailing
South Korea: The Undiscovered Cruising Destination
Jeju Island as Korea's sailing hub, 570 islands along the southern coast, Busan's established cruiser facilities, and how to handle the Yellow Sea's tidal currents and fishing fleet.
- Tongyeong — "Naples of Korea"
- Busan: 24hr advance notice required
- Korea Strait to Japan: 60nm
Taiwan and Hong Kong: Monsoon Sailing in the South China Sea
The Penghu Islands as Taiwan's Caribbean, Keelung and Kaohsiung as ports of entry, Aberdeen Harbour's typhoon shelters, the RHKYC waiting list, and how to read Hong Kong's T-signal system.
- Penghu: 90 islands, excellent diving
- HK T3 signal = seek shelter immediately
- NE monsoon Nov–Mar strategically useful
Crossing the Pacific: North and South Routes
The two main westbound routes for circumnavigators — the South Pacific trade wind highway and the North Pacific option through Hawaii and Micronesia — with rally information, ITCZ strategy, and weather routing reality.
- Panama → Marquesas: 3,000nm trade wind run
- Puddle Jump rally: March–April departure
- ECMWF 10-day beats GFS for Pacific routing
About These Guides
These are editorial resources for cruising sailors. Customs procedures, entry requirements, and marina availability change — always verify current regulations with the relevant maritime authority before departure. Typhoon season dates are general guidance; always monitor active weather systems independently. The marina directory lists specific facility details.