13º 00.748n 120º 15.197w
Wed Apr 24 2019
Here
we go. Our new besty and badass weather router Jamie Gifford just turned us
South to try and blow through the ITCZ then keep hauling ass so it can’t catch
back up with us. We’ll hit 12 degrees North by dawn at our present rate, so
tonight the radar will be lit up hunting for squalls. We’ll also be carrying a
conservative deep downwind Simbo sail which we can furl in a flash. Hopefully
not a flash of lightening.
Currently
we’re enjoying 1.5 - 2 meter swells on the port stern, so it’s just a little
rolly at the moment. That didn’t stop Isabel from whipping up a smokin’ hot
Thai currey with shrimp for dinner, so crew morale is high.
The
good news is we’ve got some fuel to expend where we need to motor, and with
luck we can push through the yukkiest part of the ITCZ and then press to stay
ahead of it as it expands. Think of the inter tropical convergence zone (in
case you didn’t know what that acronym is) as a giant accordian full of crappy
weather and lousy sailing. We’re trying to pass through while it has squeezed
tight then try and stay ahead of the edge as it expands and tries to overtake
us. Reminds me of those Rambo movies where Sylvester Stallone is sprinting
towards the camera while a giant explosion erupts behind him. Lots of noise and
yelling and flames.
The
crew is briefed, and we’re anticipating a little less sleep tonight if extra
hands are required on deck to manage things. We’re cool with a good blast of
rain, as JD is looking a bit like a large salt crystal, but you can keep your
fire and brimstone, thank you very much.
We’ll
examine conditions at dawn and deploy the smartest sail plan to go as fast as
we can safely go! As we’re now a full week into this passage, all hands have
made their wagers for the arrival date and time, so now we’ve got to decide
what the prize will be. All suggestions will be entertained, so don’t hold
back! Send your cards and letters to:
Cheers!
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