Aloha All,

We are making great progress toward our planed landfall in Hawaii. We are well above the ITCZ and the weather is clearly changing. In fact, it was very hard to tell the difference between the ITCZ and the North and South Pacific. Last time I passed through we spent nearly 4 days floundering around in the doldrums. This time I brought enough fuel to cross the ITCZ more that four times. Used the engine maybe five hours to get through it this go around.

The gusty trade winds are completely dominant and the seas are large and in charge. Puanani is handling the conditions well and I am very happy with her performance this entire leg of the voyage.

Caught our first mahimahi today. A nice 20lb fighter. Gave Zane a real workout trying to land it in the cockpit. Once there, Rob and Zane controlled it so there was no damage to the boat or injury to the crew.

We had a great dinner. Of course, prepared by our Chef du Voyage, Zane. A lovely pasta dish with a nice large piece of grilled mahimahi covered in a lemon butter cream sauce. I'm talking restaurant grade fine dining. Easily Zane's best dish to date.

ITCZ Haiku:

Becalmed we were not Spanning the ITCZ Doldrums not to be [or alternatively, "Doldrums my @$$]

Everyone take care and stay well. All our love.

mark zane rob