2:30 PM PDT: 31d 21m N, 156d 46m W
We have definitely entered the light winds, just as forecast. The wind is still blowing from the east, but is down to about 6 kts, and our boatspeed is around 4kts, still sailing north. It won’t be long before we start motoring, but for now we are enjoying the gentle motion and beautiful blue sky, puffy white clouds, and deep blue sea. Even in this light air, the Monitor windvane is keeping us pointed in the right direction.
Yesterday we had two tropicbirds and a booby circling the boat for several hours. Occasionally the booby would dive into the sea, and float for a while. We couldn’t tell if it ever caught a fish, but VALIS was causing the flying fish to scatter, and the three birds were intently scanning for their dinner.
Speaking of dinner, last night we had a green salad, and some pre-cooked BBQ chicken over brown rice. Very tasty!
OK, our speed is under 2 kts, and the sails are slatting. And now, 30 seconds later, we’re back up to a blazing 3.5 kts. I’m trying to hold off the inevitable motoring, but it won’t be long. Hey, we’re doing over 4 kts! Perhaps we can hold out a little longer…
Best, Paul / VALIS