Days at sea completed: 19

Distance sailed in the last 24 hours (nm): 159 Distance sailed total (nm): 2692 Distance to go until French Polynesia, as the crow flies (nm): 104

Wind Speed & Direction (knots): E 7-9 Waves (ft): ESE 4

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

MARK: There is a saying, "the last mile is the hardest." It definitely is true for this passage. After another great 24 hour period of good wind where we covered another 159 miles, the wind has now completely left us. With less than 9 knots of wind coming from directly behind us, we are moving towards the Marquesas, but at a snails pace. I thought of flying the spinnaker, but with the left over waves, the motion will just knock the wind out of the sail.

Wow, look at that, a dead fish just drifted by, faster than we are sailing. That's exactly what this feels like. The flying fish aren't flying to get out of our way, the birds won't land on our boat because we are so slow, and the dolphins just give us the middle flipper.

Sailing this slowly is bringing back bad memories of Wednesday night racing in Sidney, BC!

However, since we are so close, we will sail all day, all night, and will reach Hiva Oa by daybreak on the 17th. Damn it, I will turn on the motor if necessary! Oh well, another opportunity for me to pretend that I have patienceÉ

DEANNA: Each of our parents has influenced and supported our adventure in different ways. Our heartfelt thanks goes out to each of them:

Maria - Mark's Mom - she instilled a love for the environment in her boys at an early age by taking them on the Westcoast Trail and other outdoor adventures. Maria has lived in Indonesia, the Cayman Islands and Spain, and she continues to live close to nature in rural areas of BC. She's the one most likely to be a stowaway on Speakeasy, if she could.

Arnold - Mark's Dad - he raised his sons in a waterfront home perched over a beach in Genoa Bay, and Mark has sought water views ever since. Arnold has travelled to locations all over the world to complete international marathon walks of 40 km or more per day. In his early eighties, he continues to walk strenuously each day and to travel, despite declining eyesight.

Ella - Dee's Mom - both times we've sailed away, she's provided a great home for our cats. We're not sure who is happier this time, Ella or Misty. Along with my late stepfather Bud, Ella has been on more luxury ocean cruises than anyone I know. Her favorite place, which she has returned to many times, is Fiji.

Rod - Dee's Dad - my best childhood memories are hopping along logs and rocks with my Dad on Tsawwassen and Point Roberts beaches. Rod is always fit and active, and recreation and travel have been priorities throughout his life. In his fifties, he bicycled and camped on his own throughout Europe. He boasts that he's visited a total of 69 countries, and he's given me a detailed map to prove it.

And this acknowledgement is for you, Mark!

Mark - my Captain, husband and best friend - credit goes to your grandfather, Louie, who built his own sailboat and taught you boating and sailing as young boy. When I first met you, you told me that you planned to sail the world. I thought, "interestingÉyou go do that, honey!" Who could have predicted that I'd love traveling by boat as much as you? However, I wouldn't be out here without you and the skills you possess and use to keep us afloat. Thanks for being my Captain, navigator, engineer and McGyver of all things, including my sandals. More importantly, thank you for inspiring me to live an adventurous life alongside you.