Weeeellll, not exactly. True, it is easier to find the entrance to the atoll, but the currents that run at the entrances have not changed and tide tables are still notoriously inaccurate. We came through 6 of the Tuomotu atolls on our passage from the Marqueses to Tahiti and I think we got about 2 or 3 of the tidal changes right. I would put them against any of the PNW passes any day....very challenging indeed! And we were alone in the anchorage in most of them, too, perhaps one or two other boats, with the exception of Fakarava, which is well-known for its pass diving with sharks. So, I guess I'm just saying all is not lost yet....There is still plenty of solitude to be found out here...and yeah, it's still work, too! Best, Kathy Youngblood m/v Mystic Moon lying Bobbin Head, Australia In a message dated 3/4/2016 8:26:24 A.M. AUS Eastern Daylight Time, trawlers@lists.trawlering.com writes: Furthermore these days it is difficult to find solitude on a boat because it is so easy to sail into any area. For example before gps the Tuomotos were a real challenge to enter because of the low lying atolls and the currents between them. Few boats went there. Now you just drive in and drop the hook. But you will typically be sharing th anchorage. Nothing wrong with that but it is not the same feeling. ​Richard