Catching UP
15 February 2015 | Equator
mac
Weeks 1 and 2 in the crossing from PV to Marquises: Light winds heading out West past Mexico and Cabo looking for wind. It was supposed to happen but didn't so we puttered along westbound with 5-12 knts.--just enough to keep us going. On a lighter note, Ciro caught a 50 lb yellow fin tuna at the end of week 1--we ate well for 3 days. After gaining about 600mi west we started working our way southwest--still in light winds. The going is slow--often between 2 and 3 knots. We had hoped to make 100 mi/day. That isn't going to happen. Weight of equipment and growth developing on Keel. All normal stuff. We got quickly to the point of looking for small weather cells with higher winds--15-35 to put in some mileage. We could anticipate them on the radar. But never enough. And yes the sea is gorgeous, daily swims in teal colored water with 5,000 or more feet below us, sunny days and bright starry nights. Mid 70s to 80s during the day and low to mid 70s at night. Big swells. Somedays 15 feet but stretched out of 10-40 feet so just an easy ride. We check in on the radio net each night with position reports that are recorded perhaps for future jumpers, but mostly a safely thing.
Weeks 3 and 4: Just crossed the equator at 3:59 this a. My shift from 2-7am. I recorded it with an ipad photo. We'll see how it turns out. Celebration this evening at dinner--big deal here--a right of passage. Pretty as it all is we are all looking forward "TO GETTING THERE" still 10 to 14 days away. Made it thru the doldrums by motoring for 17 hours with no, that's zero, wind. Wind has shifted from the northern trades from northeast to the southern trades from the southeast. At least, we are hoping this is the change coming. We are looking forward to some wind in the 15-25 mile/hr range but still being disappointed in the 8-12 mile/hr range. Well, so what--no appointments, no commitments, lots of books. Wendy is doing a lot of baking of stuffed, rustic breads and rolls. Ciro is still catching fish-- Bonito the other night. All for now,will try to be better in future. All is Well Here.