Whoa Horsey
12 April 2014 | Day 4 to Galapagos
Saturday 12 April 2014
Meant to burden the blogosphere yesterday, but used the energy instead to remain upright. Had 20 to 25 (coming across from Bahia Papagayo) on the beam all day, and roared along in 3 meter seas at 8 knots fully reefed. When speed remained above 8.5 (maximum theoretical hull speed) for awhile, rolled in the genny and still made 7+ with staysail and a scrap of main. Yowzer! As predicted, wind went light and variable early this morning, so we've called on the god of internal combustion for help. At least the 1.5 to 2 knot foul current has moved abeam so we may still arrive Galapagos on the near side of prediction.
Jan's hot.. really hot, as are all hands. Thought temperature and humidity would decrease as we angled away from Central American coast, but didn't happen. Now we're approaching the ITCZ, so don't expect relief until entering cold Humboldt Current waters near the islands. All air movement comes across the bow from forward progress and scarcely refreshes. To provide heat relief to galley slave, the most culinarily incompetent crew made dinner Thursday night and pan de perdue this morning. Consequent health watch will remain in effect until further notice. Having the constitution of an opossum helps some of us, but concern runs rampant among others.
Forecast indicates doldrums now all the way to destination. Being selectively intelligent and widely read of sailing literature, the horses are understandably anxious. As they're given to hysteria, explaining that we have alternative propulsion besides wind to carry us through the latitudes named for their cousin's bloated carcasses is proving only minimally helpful.
Jack