500 miles logged - 700 MTG (miles to go)
01 June 2018 | Off the southern tip of Chesterfield Reef
We're not breaking any speed records out here, but we ARE getting there. During the first 36 hours we were plagued by adverse winds from the NE and E as well as extended periods of calm, and this was intermixed with rain showers so we ended up motoring more than we would have liked. The wind gradually filled in from the SE but never with any conviction and we still experienced patches of no wind. Yesterday the wind backed to the SW and on occasion we had 20 knots and were moving along nicely at 6.5 to 7 knots but alas, it didn't last. Most of the time we are doing between 3.5 and 4.5 knots, so unless things improve that probably means an 11 or 12 day passage. Still the weather is nice and the seas are kind and we are generally still sailing - and, regardless, what else can we do? From here we turn more to the North and head directly for Lata, 700 miles (approx. 1,350 kms) away. The colours, as always are magnificent and we share our nights with a huge, bright moon.
Not much sea life, the occasional sea bird and one flying fish. Last night a booby had an unsuccessful attempt at landing on MF but only managed to fly into one of our "clears" surrounding the cockpit which apparently dissuaded him from giving it another go.