Cool Rock
01 November 2010 | En Route Opua Day 2
November 1
Dude! It was cold last night. Wearing shoes, blue jeans, T-shirt and windbreaker with side curtains enclosing cockpit, toasties couldn't be maintained. Have broken out long shirt, long underwear, wool sweater and socks for potential utilization as passage south progresses. Current latitude is 23 with Bay of Islands at 35. Previously checked lows in Whangerei have been 20 F (11 C) cooler than here. Well Toto we're not in the tropics anymore.
Rip roaring passage through increasingly boisterous conditions continues as GRIB (Grievously Reprehensible, Inconsistent Bilgewater) forecasting lighter wind then further easing maintains consistent accuracy. No complaint, however, as average speed first 24 hours was 6.5 for 156 NM.
As surmised, leakage into cabin perseveres, but at dramatically reduced rate. Source confirming amelioration adds toil intensive item to planned and ever- expanding New Zealand repairs. Said list to languish until end of rally festivities on the 20th and obligatory subsequent convalescence.
Jack