Northern Light II - Thursday 23rd November

At about 4.30pm yesterday we put the Parasailor down as stronger winds were forecast in the night with a chance of squalls. To be safe we chose the jib but in hindsight this was not the best decision. The squalls failed to arrive and the winds died to about 8 knots until midnight when they increased to 16 and then fell back to 12 . Our overnight average speed was 4.8 knots and the boat was rolling from side to side with the waves. An uncomfortable and very hot and humid night. Not much sleep for many of the crew.

Sarah put together a fantastic vegetarian pasta dish - well it was vegetarian until we all added fried chorizo!

First thing this morning all the crew were up to put the Parasailor up to carry us on for another day and hopefully night. The Parasailor is 180 sqm and even in light winds can drive the boat forward at 6-7 knots. This morning she was named Patricia as she is guiding us safely to our destination keeping the boat calm in the waves and allowing the crew to rest. It's Sarah’s mothers birthday today and it is 3 years since she passed away. Sarah thought it appropriate for the Parasailor to be named after her. We also have Harry the Hydrovane (wind steering) and Hagrid the Hydrogenerator (creates electricity through the water).

So far today some boat cleaning, book reading and catching up on missed sleep from last night.

Sumatran lamb curry tonight ……

Until tomorrow

Michael