A sliver of yellow moon has just risen highlighting the scattered squally clouds that have surrounded us for the last couple of days. We have had to dodge the occasional squall but for the most part they have just ensured that we stay alert and don't wander into one of them unexpectedly. This means scanning the horizon every 10-15 minutes. We're also on the lookout for shipping but have not seen another vessel since leaving Tahiti 12 days ago. As we approach Hawaii I expect that will change.

Our winds continue to be strong and steady in the 15-20 knot range and we are getting used to seeing speeds of 8-9 knots with the odd 10 or 11. While this means we make landfall sooner 6-7 knots is way more comfortable than 8-9. Reminding ourselves we're not racing we furled in a little bit of the jib at dusk.

I'm pleased to report an dramatic improvement in the fishing stakes with mahi mahi taking an interest in our lures. After having one shake off the hook right at the swimdeck a couple of days ago Nina proved to be the heroine yesterday. Once again we had brought the fish up to the swimdeck but, having opted not to slow the boat down, I was unable to get the net up to the fish as at 8 knots the wake between the hulls was too strong. I asked for the gaff but instead Neens just grabbed the line from Fi and hauled the fish into the cockpit! She did however decline to finish off the job with the winch handle leaving that unpleasant task to me.

Once we get to within 99 hours of our destination the chart plotter automatically calculates the time remaining to landfall. So with 430 miles to the Big Island the plotter shows 72 hours to go at 6 knots (a middle of the night arrival) or 60 hours at 7 knots (mid afternoon). With our speed constantly changing as the wind gusts a little or we surf down a wave so too does our arrival time. This can be quite mesmerizing as one sits in front of the plotter and projects arrival times ranging from Thursday afternoon (great!) to Friday night (not so great!). As one gets closer the variation decreases and we are able to make more definite plans.

For now we are content to while away the night at 6-7 knots but, come sunup, we'll shake out the second reef in the main, unfurl that last bit of jib and let out the fishing line...