Position: 29d 05m N, 157d 02m W. Course 355 magnetic @ 6.5 kts.
We’re still sailing north, which is exactly what we want to do. The winds are lighter, and the seas calmer, as we approach the Pacific High. We will probably be doing some motoring before we pick up the winds from the southwest, and west, and northwest, that should carry us home.
Last night we sailed under the stars, with the occasional minor squall. For much of the night we had the constellation Cassiopeia just to the right of our mast. The North Star was hidden by the mainsail, but it was definitely there. A few shooting stars were seen, and it was a glorious night.
This morning we switched off the electronic autopilot, and hooked up the Monitor windvane. This amazing mechanical contraption steers the boat according to the wind direction, and it has been doing a great job. The monitor uses no electrical power (the autopilot uses a fair amount), so this, and the sunny skies, should mean less engine-time needed for battery charging.
It’s still hot, but the calmer conditions let us open some hatches to let the cooling breeze into the boat. This is a good day to relax!
Best, Paul / VALIS