We’ve been sailing north for about 24 hours now, and have been making good speed in great conditions. The seas are moderate, and the crew, while not quite 100%, are getting their sea legs. Everyone is able to stand their watch, and spirits are high.
Last night at midnight PDT, VALIS was net control for the returning Pac Cup fleet radio net. We collected some emailed position reports, and spoke with Kotuku, Jamani, and Tiki J over the radio. The combined report was then emailed to Pac Cup HQ.
Last night we sailed under several squalls (and we’re under a significant rain shower right now). We reefed the sails for the higher winds, and have decided to keep them reefed today. We are still sailing at 7+ knots, so there’s no need for more stress.
On VALIS we’ve decided to have an evening watch schedule with two people on watch at a time. Each watch lasts three hours, and halfway through your watch your watch-partner changes. Here is the sequence for each 1-1/2 hours:
Paul / Rich Rich / Jenta Jenta / Lin Lin / Nicole Nicole / Paul
This repeats, and by morning we each have had two three-hour watches, with 4-1/2 hours off in between each watch. During the daylight hours we also have two people on watch, but it’s a flexible system. I think this is going to work out well.
After sunrise this morning Jenta brought out her ukelele, and I (Paul) uncased my new boat guitar. Jenta and I enjoyed playing music and Rich didn’t complain.
Our position at 7:15 PM PDT is 24d 16m N, 157d 42m W, sailing 355d Mag at 7.6 kts.
Best wishes to all, Paul / VALIS