It looks like Eric has finally broken out of the doldrums and is sailing steadily toward Hiva Oa. After three weeks at sea, I suspect playing in the sand will be a nice change of pace. Here are a compilation of the latest e-mails .....

4/10 "report"
Hello all,
It is remarkable how, on a long passage, one's mood is in total concert with the conditions. I am very happy right now. The sailing has been wonderful, though the SE trades where I am at are unsettled compared to the NE trades. There will be squalls all the way in and there is usually a shift associated with them as well as a big hole after they go by. I am very much in tune with the boat and I wake up straight away when something doesn't feel right and adjust. Poor Kevin has been stuck in the ITCZ for the past few days. I feel really bad giving my position reports because I sailed right around him and am smashing right at the islands while he is struggling to get back in the breeze. It sounded like he was getting sprung at noon today so I am curious to see how he did tonight. No fish still... I had the full spread out today and was going fishing speed... I have been killing the boat projects, and wont have much work to do when I get to Atuona except fix the radar, lowers, and profurler which should only be a couple of hours work ... I should be in there possibly as early as Wendsday but definitely by Thursday. Peace Eric

4/9"morning"
Hey guys,
I am trying really hard not to get bummed out, but when the conditions turn crappy, it only takes about 15 minutes to despair. When the conditions get good, it takes about 5 minutes to get happy. Last night sucked. Only one crash tack, but I had breeze out of the south west which is directly where I want to go and thus had to sail due west or even north of west on port. When the sun came up it got better and I am close hauled heading sort of at the islands, but not laying them. Everyone in front of me is close hauled so it looks like a beat for the next 700 miles. Eric

4/8"A poem by Eric Rone"
T'was the night before crossing
and all 'cross the sea.
Not a vessel was moving
especially me.
When up in the rigging
I heard such a clatter.
I sprang from my bunk to see what was the matter.
A ghost of a zephyr
was filling my sails.
I needed it badly,
no fuel on the rails.
One knot, then two knots, then three knots then four.
Then three knots, then two knots,
then drifting some more.
In need of a shower,
a meal, and cold beer.
I went down below and dreamt landfall was near.
I woke in an hour,
conditions were lame.
I prayed to the Gods,
and I called them by name.
Oh Neptune, Calypso, oh Triton, oh God.
The calm of the doldrums is eerily odd.
From the top of the mast, to the winch and it's pawls,
Get bent I.T.C.Z. and [ poor reception - ed.]
Eric

4/7"jail break"
Hello guys,
What I learned today and throughout the passage is not to despair. This morning was a bummer, but throughout the day I broke out of the ITCZ. The breeze was variable and there were several hours where I was not laying the marquesas but I sailed all day and have about 2/3 of a tank left. I just started motoring again during the PPJ net because the breeze dropped off. I should cross the equator tonight or early tomorrow morning. I am spending the fuel because boats just infront of me have 15 kts of breeze. Also, today I did more sail changes than I have done during the entire passage so I am pretty tired. I saw everything from a monsoon of a gnarly squall and 30 kts to beautiful blue sky and ten knots of wind. Pinquoya caught a marlin today and I am jealous. I am still in a slump. Other than that nothing much else new. The pro furler foil came apart at the very top joint but is still functional and doesnt look like it will hurt the sail. I dont have any champagne or booze so king Neptune is going to get some celestial seasonings tea... Eric