We are reaching along at about 5.5 to 6.5 knots under double reefed main and a working jib. We encountered the tail end of the system we were warned about for Friday, and the reason we raced out on tues. Interesting how far the winds and waves extend from them.

Yesterday was the roughest, we had confused seas in 20-25 knot winds, gusts to 32, Sherpa held up great. A complete contrast to the day before, where we had winds of about 8 knights and sailed along at 5 with all her big sails up in smooth seas. If you look at our track we veered a bit east to slow the boat down and make the ride more comfortable for all, and of course not break any gear.

Today, the winds have clocked to the north, which is pushing right towards are waypoint at 7N 130W, just above the ITCZ. I think at this pace we will be in the tropics in about 48 hours. We will all be glad to toss the foulies for shorts and T-shirts. Those reusable ice cubes will come in real handy in a coupe of day--thanks-- Christina!

Not much boat traffic, we have counted about four or five ships either heading to or from the Panama Canal, we are in the N/S shipping lanes from there. Luckily we have the AIS system, so we can track everything about them,

Our Monitor windvane, has steered the boat flawlessly in all conditions. We still haven't named her yet, but I'm leaning towards Passpartout (from Around the World in 80 Days), but am open to suggestions.

I will try to blog daily, but sometimes a bit difficult, but we are updating are trip on the tracking website everyday either by email or Ham, so you should always be able to get a daily position fix, unless weather is tough, or we have poor radio propagation.

Every one enjoy there weekend, I had to ask Paul what day it was, as I have already lost track of the days of the week.

John