Rover

In the Tropics at last

08 April 2023 | Underway, 19 degrees 30 minutes N. 121 degrees 10 minutes W
Eric
Post time is 1200, 4/8/23. Peter on watch, everybody else hanging out

Hello,

We passed the tropic of Cancer headed south the night of 4/7. We didn’t
even notice because it was overcast and cool, people on night watch were
still wearing foulies, long underwear and watch caps. A couple of days
have passed and the weather has finally turned tropical. It’s sunny and
70, blue skies and blue seas. We ran the engine this morning to recharge
the batteries and make (desalinate) water, so there was hot water for a
shower in the cockpit. What a luxury. People are wearing shorts and
t-shirts!

Wind and waves are also more favorable as we finally outran the weather
front that hit California a week ago and entered the trade winds. Still
a little too much wind for the light air sail or full genoa, and sets of
waves occasionally slap us around a little, but the trend is clear.

We’re on a broad reach with full main and stays’l with a long term
average of 6.3 knots. The wind doesn’t quite allow us to track right
down the rhumbline, but we’re pretty close.

The cooking is getting better as the crew has overcome seasickness and
eased into the routine, giving time and energy for more than minimal
cooking. The first four days were pretty much grazing the snack box, but
now there’s a hot dinner (thanks to all the crew) and fresh yoghurt
(thanks Kristin).

I’m chief engineer as well as captain, so now I have time to make lists
of spare parts to meet us in Nuku Hiva, and projects for the engineering
staff (also me) to tackle once we get there.

Benny asked if the trip seems like more of a vacation and less like
work, yet. It’still an adventure, the vacation part will be when we’re
snorkeling. Morale remains high.

Eric

--
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Comments
Vessel Name: Rover
Vessel Make/Model: Valiant 42
Hailing Port: Seattle. WA
Crew: Eric and Linda
About:
We're making a big change to a cruising lifestyle. Eric retired in 2012 after 32 years in R&D (mostly) at HP. Previous passions included flying and bicycling. Linda will retire in 2013 from Oregon State University. She's been active in Zonta, was a Scoutmaster, and is a champion baker. [...]
Extra: Linda was barrel master and Eric participated in the Jackson Street Vintners; a group of friends that made wine from 2000 to 2013
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