Date & Time: October 28, 0800 Position: see the map on our blog Course: 251 M

Days at sea completed: 1

Distance sailed in the last 24 hours (nm): 170 Distance sailed total (nm): 170 Distance to go (nm): 624

Wind Speed & Direction (knots): E 15 Waves (ft): 4

We've just completed our first of an expected five day trip to Australia from New Caledonia. Although the seas were quite confused, and so a little bumpy, it was a great first day overall. We had consistent wind for nearly all of the 24 hour period giving us some good miles under our keels!

As the sun came up this morning, and I came back on shift, Dee was doing a good job of keping the boat moving under a softening wind. I popped out the reef and we are now back up to speed cruising along very comfortably at 7+ knots. The sea is much less confused today and the swell has rotated more on our stern as predicted. All in all, this should be a more comfortable ride today.

One big difference that we have noticed on this passage, and on the last, is that it definitely is not that warm anymore! Now, understand that this all relative. We've been chasing summer for two and a half years! But, for the last couple of passages we have always been heading south away from the equator. Those miles away from the sun are adding up. We are still sailing in short and a long sleeve shirt when the weather is good. But, at night, even in fine weather, we have fleece tops and bottoms on. Wow, we haven't seen those clothes in years. Dee was even spotted wearing sea boots last night. I guess this is good practice for us because it won't be long that we will be home in Victoria for Christmas where we will see some really cold weather!