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 didnât
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. Itâs 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.
Weâre on a broad reach with full main and staysâl with a long term
average of 6.3 knots. The wind doesnât quite allow us to track right
down the rhumbline, but weâre 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 thereâs a hot dinner (thanks to all the crew) and fresh yoghurt
(thanks Kristin).
Iâm 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. Itâstill an adventure, the vacation part will be when weâre
snorkeling. Morale remains high.
Eric
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