Days at sea completed: 5

Distance sailed in the last 24 hours (nm): 158 Distance sailed total (nm): 700 Distance to go until French Polynesia, as the crow flies (nm): 2036

Wind Speed & Direction (knots): N 18 Sea Condition (ft): N 3-5

--- See the map on our blog for our current location---

We continue to make good time in moderately comfortable seas and today was the first time on this trip that we were able to fly the A-sail. The best news of all is that we are now in the Northern trade winds. That means that the winds are much more steady in strength and direction, and best of all, are coming from nearly behind us. This is true downwind sailing and is the most comfortable point of sail for most boats. Instead of waves rocking us from side to side, the waves catch us from behind, lift us us, and then pass under us. It's not quite as stable as that, but you get the picture.

One reason that we are especially happy to be in the trades is that it means a lot less of "reef on, reef off." Who needs a Chinese zen master when you have your own repetitive task to do at least 5-6 times a day. In case a non-sailor is reading this, "reefing" means to take in or shorten a portion of your sail. On Speakeasy, that means using various lines to bring down the main sail by about 8'. It's a bit of a chore and involves reefing lines, halyard, vang, preventer, and several other lines that need to be taken in or let out in sequence every time that a reef is put it, or taken out. When the wind builds over an acceptable level for the amount of sail that is up, we put a reef in to reduce sail. Then, when the wind drops, we shake out the reef. Did I mention that this process is a bit of work every time?

Before we entered the trades, the wind was constantly building and then decreasing. To keep the boat safe, and to make maximum speed, we were going through the reefing process many, many times each day.

Not to be outdone, the wind can be tricky, too! For example, if the wind was light and we were moving too slow, we would wait a while to see if the wind was going to change. Once it seemed stable, we would shake out the reef. Wouldn't you know itÉ As soon as the full main sail was back up, the wind would pipe up to 20 knots meaning that I was scrambling to put the reef back in. Sheesh! For maximum enjoyment, do this over and over again at night.

However, since we have been in the trades the wind has been a near constant 15-18 knots. We can sail fast with full sails in those conditions, so now we only put a reef in at night so I don't need to be called on deck during my sleep shift. Having an overnight reef also quiets the boat down, providing a better sleep for both of us.

We are now starting to look further forward into the weather forecasts to figure the best place to cross the equator where we can get the best wind and the minimum number and intensity of squalls. This is truly a black art, and one that I have not mastered. Based on our current course and speed, we will probably turn due South towards the equator in 3-4 days. It is looking like it may be a tough crossing due to a wide area of no wind accompanied by lots of squalls. I'm looking pretty far forward so the forecasts may not be that accurate yet. I hope that they are wrong or we may have lots of motoring interspersed with 30-40 knot winds.