June 22, 2014

Hi Family and Friends- Wow! The last 48 hours has been everything and more that anyone could hope for in good sailing and ideal conditions. Beautiful! The south pacific ocean is treating us very well now that we are in it!! Backing up to the time we crossed the equator, (6/19), the wind was on the nose, gusting 30 knots, with seas 12-15 feet in height. After a short celebration of crossing the equator, and a special appearance of King Neptune bearing gifts, the night of the 19th proved to be one of the roughest. Our initiation was not complete. The confused seas at the equator , perhaps due to cross currents, made for steep waves and a continuous slamming that seemed to shake the boat to its bones every few seconds. We reduced sail to no jib, and a number two reef. In the process of shortening sail we parted the Main car track, (not good) leaving us in the precarious position of not being able to raise the sail, or lower it without risking further damage. We decided to wa it it out until morning in hopes of fairer weather. Later on the 20th Paul and I went to the mast with a plan to repair the track damage and install a new Main Car we carried as a spare. After 30 minutes the repairs were a success, with extra lashing for good measure. JT drove with a ½ full main to keep the pressure off the sails while we worked. We managed thru the day, wet, and pounding. In the wee hours of the 21st the weather cleared and we have had near perfect weather since. We are using lifelines 100% in the evenings, and most days. Yesterday was a catch up on sleep day. All seem to be well rested now.

At this moment, we just finished lunch, and Toomey plays the guitar, Paul at helm, and Andrew working in the galley after a shift at the helm. We are ready for another fish as we just finished the last Tuna.

We are sailing in 2-3 foot seas, 12 knots of wind with seas moving behind us, sailing at 7-8 knots. Perfect conditions. Perhaps we appreciate them even more after two days of rough conditions. We estimate 4 days and 4 hours to go if we can maintain 6.7 knots. We decided that our ideal arrival time is between 9:00 and 3:00 pm, and if necessary we will head back out to sea to ensure a safe daytime landfall. Thanks for your prayers and good wishes. All is well on the Ananda II, and the horizon is clear ?!!

Love you Jess, Jamie and Mandy!!! See you soon.

Aloha, Adam