A brief daily record of sailing conditions on the passage to Hiva Oa.
Weather forecast shows light airs until south of 6' S, plan is to go southwest as quickly as possible to hook into Trades of 15-20 kts from SE.
4/3. Good start with MPS. Changed to Parasailor after 2 hours as wind faded to 5 kts. Had to start engine at 7 pm.
5/3. Motor sailed with Main & Genoa in 8 kts. Had favorable 1.4 kts current. Wind freshened after dinner so shut off engine at 2100 hrs. Making 8.5 kts SOG.
6/3 Sailed with White sails all night then went to MPS at 0600. 195 miles in 24 hours to mid-day.
7/3 Kept MPS up through the night. Had squalls with heavy rain from 3 am to 8 am. No fish, though we've had a few nibbles. Gavin had flying fish join him in bed! Hoisted Parasailor at 1100 hrs. Sailed 205 miles in 24 hours to mid-day. By evening, in 18 kts wind, boat doing 11.5 kts SOG.
8/3. Parasailor up all day. A number of squalls with heavy rain and swirling winds during the night. Slowed us down a bit. 192 miles till mid day. Day has been sunny and warm. We are sailing the rhumb line to Hiva Oa. 220 miles.
9/3 Champagne sailing. 18-20 kts wind and we are on course. Decided in view of weather forecast 4 days out to come south a little. Changed to white sails for beam reach also, it's more comfortable.223 miles.
10/3. Winds a little lighter, but basically more of the same. Air feels just a little cooler.Oh, and Gavin caught a 12 lb tuna!
11/3 still barreling along at 9-10 kts. Beautiful Sushi rolls and tuna steak for lunch. No sightings at sea, which appears deserted. As it's Sunday, steak and a bottle of red for dinner. Another glorious day in the Trades.
12/3 winds backed and eased, Net result we are sailing below our desired course!
13/3 first sub-200 mile day in a while (we made 194). Tried out a gybe to NW but VMG fell off. Gybed back to SW and hoisted red MPS. Have to see if that improves matters. Looks, though, like many gybes from here on.