Firefly - Looking for wind

Firefly enjoyed another reasonable 24 hour run on the second day of the passage. With just a short time motor sailing, we crept along on a close reach just holding up to the rhumb line and also had an adverse current most of the time.

We are aware that we need to get south to get into the trade wind belt that is down there somewhere. However, the information we have indicates that heading south west is the best strategy - time will tell.

We have two daily communications with the rest of the fleet on the SSB radio, the morning one reporting positions and wind conditions and the evening one for a simple roll call and chat. This morning we were anxiously looking for boats with more wind than us, there were a few but all in the direction we are heading and a lot with less. So we think our planned track to the Marquesas is about right. If not and we hit a calm patch we will let you know as we'll have plenty of time to write logs.

Day 3 has, so far, been a gentle and comfortable affair. We have scored a few victories fixing a few of the problematic items that all boats seem to have - taking advantage that the boat is stable and flat. We are sailing along on a close reach again. With 'Albert the autohelm' set to sail at 50 degrees to the wind Firefly is doing very well despite the wind only averaging 8 knots. Even in her completely loaded state she manages 5 knots in 8 knots of wind and over 6 when it gets to 10. Interestingly, while typing this particular section some clouds have come over above us and the wind has piped up to 14 knots - and we are up to 7/7.5.

For non sailors or motor sports enthusiasts etc etc those speeds will likely seem very slow. In fact, crossing oceans by yacht compared to going in a 747 is very much 'a hare and the tortoise affair'. It is however a hugely enjoyable and unique way to travel, probably giving a greater sense of freedom and completely different to anything else!

Paul, David and Peter