The Nordhavn 40 around the world got a very early lesson why a low power vessel needs to follow the sailing routes (mostly trade wind)--On the trip from Dana Point to Hawaii, the Nordhavn 40 ran the rumb line, without takining into consideration that the Pacific High had moved further South than normal, thus changing what would have been a down wind, down wave run, into a thrash into the wind and waves. Subsiquently the fuel consumption was much higher than anticipated. Not only do you need to be aware of the "average" patterns, but of specific locations of high and low pressure areas at the time of your passage. Cornell's book is based on Ocean Passages of the World. There are "low Powered" routes. Mostly following the tradewinds, for the above reason (as well as comfort of the crew). Also, if you avoid the cyclone seasons, generally the weather in the trade wind belts is quite benign. Best to go East to West in a power boat. Also in a power boat is the importance of distance between fuel stops--and of course the range of the vessel. Bob Austin