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Firefly - Leaving the Galapagos Archipelago



At noon today the World ARC fleet started the leg 4 across the Eastern Pacific to Hiva Oa in the Marquesas, French Polynesia. This is the longest leg of the whole rally. The fleet assembled just out of Puerto Ayora for the start, with a 10/5/go countdown and a well laid line, due to our racing background the crew become very competitive at this point. For this one we were close to Chika Lu, Circe and Alpheratz at the favoured committee boat (a water taxi hired for the purpose) end of the line. Firefly came out in front and now has a reputation to maintain having been first boat away from the line for all three legs, so no pressure for the next one and good preparation for the Tahiti Pearl Regatta.

After rounding the first headland we unfurled the Gennaker and sailed away at 8 knots in 12 knots of wind. We were expecting light winds so this speedy departure is a real bonus. Some of the faster boats have now overhauled us but we are taking a more direct Northerly route - so on the first position report this evening Firefly should appear to be 'supercharged' and near the top of the list. 3 of the fleet left early, and one of them will be close to arrival so those will likely appear to be the leaders.

We are passing close to the island of Tortuga. If you watched David Antenborough's most recent series on the Galapagos this crescent shaped volcanic island was heavily featured. We were lent a DVD of the series from Pat and Stuart on Brizo and watched 4 episodes back to back on Peter's birthday. It has helped us put the islands and it's unique bio diversity into perspective.

The forecasts we have seen all feature a light area of wind that we think we will enter relatively soon and which extends for up to 500 miles to the South. So after the anticipated quiet patch we should enter the SE trade wind belt and are hoping for a broad reach all of the way to Hiva Oa. If you are interested in having a look, one of the easiest websites to navigate through is 'passage weather'. For now we have wind, 'new boy' David is chained to the galley and we are going to have a small beer!

Paul, David and Peter

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