After a very frustrating night of light, fluky wind, daylight brought a steadier version of the trades. It wasn’t a lot, but at least it was only varying twenty degrees of direction, instead of of 180. The morning radio net produced an interesting conversation. Seems like a lot of the boats are struggling with light, variable wind and incessant squalls. The general consensus was to make more southerly progress to try and break free of this low pressure along the ITCZ. The only caveat is that if we are too far south, and the wind bends east, we will be flying straight downwind the rest of the way. A fine proposition for boats with true spinnakers or the parachute sails, but nigh impossible for boats like ours without such kites. At noon, with uber light wind again, we raised the code zero. For two hours we struggled with it collapsing every time the beam-to waves passed under us. Finally, we gave up and went back to a conventional rig and just turned more southerly. Our timing was perfect, as the rain started just as the sail bag was closed up! The highlight of the day was hearing the joy and excitement in Heike’s voice from Endo2 when she shared that they had caught their first fish of the journey today! We smiled and felt lifted up by her enthusiasm. There are definite perks in travelling with a rally; sharing happy moments is the best part of the Sweet Dream!
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