Polynesia also has helpful ocean currents all over the place, which probably made propulsion easier & trip time faster, with the bonus of allowing smaller simpl

Polynesia also has helpful ocean currents all over the place, which probably made propulsion easier & trip time faster, with the bonus of allowing smaller simpler craft. My layman's understanding of European sailing history is full of oars, tacking, doldrums, rations, and complex multi-sail designs. All things you'd never have to contend with if there was always a powerful current headed to your destination.