The doldrums is an area around the equator characterized by calms, thunderstorms, and variable winds. It is a region to be avoided or transited quickly. This time of year the doldrums lies north of the equator and may be anywhere from 150-600 miles wide. On the north edge of the doldrums is a zone of very unsettled conditions with squalls, torrential rain and thunder. This is where Sand Dollar finds herself today.

The normal strategy for transiting the doldrums consists of arriving at about 5�north 130�west and then heading due south to get through it quickly as possible. Once the southeast trade winds are found a direct course for the Marquesas may be made.

My daily mileage has decreased because of the changing conditions. My distance for today is 140 mi for an average speed of 5.8 kts. The next few days are hard to predict but will be interesting. I anticipate running the engine for a few days.