We’re still sailing north in good conditions: 15 kt winds from the east, 4-foot seas, sunny skies with the occasional clouds. We had Nicole’s home-made lentil soup for dinner last night and we’re all feeling great.
Our position is 26d 22m N, 157d 26m W, sailing a course of 355d magnetic, at about 7 kts.
You may have heard that the Pac Cup racer “Hula Girl” lost her mast yesterday afternoon. I don’t have many details, but she was 3 or 4 miles out of Kaneohe when the mast came down. The crew was unhurt, and they did not request assistance. They cut away the mast, began motoring back to Kaneohe Yacht Club, and are presumably now tied up and safe. I did speak with another boat who was leaving Kaneohe at the same time, and they reported fairly gentle conditions. I’m sure we will learn more soon, but be assured that on VALIS we’ve been having great conditions.
Jenta and Nicole have begun their marine debris survey, where they scan for floating junk for a half-hour at a time. Spotted so far: one orange 2-ft diameter fishing buoy. I’m sure that as the seas get smooth they will see lots more debris.
Best to all, Paul / VALIS