The brochure for this trip said sailing through the waters of paradise. Not pounding through the waters of hell. I think I need to talk to me travel agent.

I'm now six days south of Hawaii. The wind has yet to drop below 20 knots. Over the last 36 hours we've been seeing 25-30 knots, the worst being at night. We're sailing along under a triple reefed main sail alone at a steady 6 knots with the occasional surf into the high 8s.

Looking at the weather charts and sailing directions, the maximum average wind speed on this leg should be 18 knots, while the expected average over the entire leg should be 13 knots. Time to throw those books out the widow.

The cabin is like a damp cave that leaks. Every surface has this disgusting film of salty/sweaty moisture. The occasional breaking wave overtop of the cabin, means there is no possible way of drying out until the seas subside.

My apologies for writing such a negative and sarcastic log. Perhaps the next entry for Christmas Island will be more positive after I've recovered some sleep and dried out my accommodations.

P.S. All the rain is not helping my mood.