May 6

Leaving the poled-out drifter in place overnight was a not completely unforeseeable error. By late evening wind had piped up to an unlikely 20 to 25 with commensurate sea. Crashing along at more than hull speed was second least desirable option behind going forward at moonless midnight to stow 700 square foot sail and whisker pole. Fortunately, nothing carried away and boat behaved remarkable well until morning. After SSB nets and breakfast (marlin, cheddar, onion omelet and bacon with pear nectar), switched sail plan to yankee and double reefed main with wind still 18 to 20 and 3 meter choppy sea. Speed only decreased to 6 and frenetic motion became merely uncomfortable. This hour of effort bore an uncanny resemblance to work. Really ought to retire. Appropriate individuals have been notified; steps will be taken.

Having gotten into toil mode, finished scouring/waxing cockpit and did a load of laundry. While permissible to turn underwear inside out for a second day, prefer to have fresh clean skivvies next to baby soft keister.

Three quarters of this passage has been in 'confused' seas causing, well, confusion. What happened to lazy, long-period swells, gentle days of easy motion? Have been told this is atypical, possibly caused by El Nino. That baby's a real pain. I want some of that famed Coconut Milk Run, but can't kvetch at 20 days instead of planned 25.

Expect to spend a goodly portion of tomorrow preparing boat and crew to be reintroduced into civilized society. This will include, but not be limited to, shaving, combing hair and not only finding clean clothes, but wearing them.

"Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society." - Mark Twain

Jack