As we proceed into the high pressure, the winds have softened and swung ESE giving us better sailing angles. Last night we had 15-20 kts with a few gusty periods into the low 20s, butwe were heavily reefed and sailing comfortably at 6-7 kts. At one point during a "wind event" we were ripping along at a sustained 8.5 kts. Boat ran like it was on rails, I don't think it even woke Wendy up.

Now that we can see the sky at night, the star show is fantastic. It is so clear and so many stars that all the familiar constellations just fade into the background. Lot of shooting stars last night too. Calm, clear nights can make for a pleasant night watch. It is getting cold though. I guess we've grown soft in the tropics since I've broken out the fleece and Ugg boots at 75 degrees F. Come to think of it, I don't think I've worn shoes in over a year...

Today is sunny and clear, but the wind has gone soft <10 kts so we are motorsailing to keep our speed on. There is a big ground swell rolling up from the south. Probably coming out of a strong low in the Tasman sea. They are expecting gales in NZ on Wed/Thurs from this low. Our current strategy is to hang out near 30 degrees S and allow the low to pass under us, then scoot down to NZ (~3 days) before the next low rolls over. Fingers crossed!