Wind ESE 8 kts Sea lumpy with 2-3 meter swell frequent rainsqualls with local winds up to 30 kts As I mentioned yesterday, we have entered the equatorial countercurrent and have had speeds over 7 kts as opposed to the low 5's on our previous leg! Doesn't sound like much but over the length of the passage, it will shorten our time dramatically. One small issue is that when the wind and tide are opposed as they are here, the seas make up a bit more with increased steepness so we are trying to find a happy medium angling South of here still. We have the paravanes in the water which smooth out the ride considerably. Also called flopper stoppers, they are metal planers called fish which are dragged off the outrigger poles you have seen on pictures and exert a downward force, counteracting roll . I have read that they reduce roll by 70%, but in my own experience they change a scootching around on your butt condition to a walk around upright using handholds experience. The only expense is a slight increase in drag and reduced speed by up to 1/2 kt but well worth it in my opinion.

A word about cooking in this weather. The 462 Dieselduck has what is known as "The galley in the alley." It is in a narrow passage between the saloon and the master state room on the port side of the engine room. Its narrow floorspace is a feature as with well planted butt to the ER wall, one can maintain position to chop or cook. The stove is ungimballed but does have potholders which keep the pots from flying. Suffice it to say that scrambled eggs are easier than fried over easy in a seaway. Another feature is a porthole which brings welcome breeze when cooking in this warm climate with the engine adding to ambient temp. It also functions as a food disposal and I find myself missing it when the porthole must be closed unless the recipe calls for large quantities of seawater. Last night we had fish tacos taking advantage of fresh produce we took on in Palau.

After dinner my watch began. The skies cleared and to my starboard, the Southern Cross appeared in the sky! Pretty great. Our little world feels really comfortable and the boat handles the sea perfectly. Pretty soon I will start on mini profiles of the crew to give you a sense why I feel so lucky to have them aboard! Only 1200 miles to Pohnpei!