We have had quite a run so far covering almost 1000 miles in 6 days. Our average speed over those six days was 6.8, which is incredible for us. We have reached speeds of 9.4 knots with current pushing us most of the time. Last night, about an hour before sunset, the wind dropped to 8 knots and backed around to the east.

We have been managing for comfort and quiet really, finding that about 10 knots of apparent wind is enough to keep the sails filled and the speed up... as long as we are heading generally west, we adjust our course to keep at 10 knots apparent wind. For example, if there is 10 knots out of the south, it is perfect sailing with wind on the beam (perpendicular to the centerline of the boat). As the wind drops we head into the wind to allow the boat speed to be added to the wind speed, keeping the sailed filled and the boat steady. As the wind picks up over 10 knots, we point the boat away from the wind so our speed it subtracted from the wind speed. Kind of crazy way to sail a boat! Regardless of course! We do want to go generally west and we want to stay near the equator where the current is very favorable.

So, last night, the wind drops and backs to the east. Now what! Our system didn't work any more! So we rigged two head sails on poles and pointed dead down wind. Still rolling we took down the main and put up a Tris'l to slow the roll. It was not the most comfortable night! And our boat speed was down in the 4-5 knot range!! We said we would wait through the night to figure out what to do. This morning at 6 am, the wind came up out of the south at 15 knots... and we are off again, after a complete sail change to Genoa and reefed main. Now we are back to 8.8 knots over the ground!!