We completed all inspections, hanked on the repaired jib, and departed the right finger of Controllers Bay at 1400 local time April 16th. Small squalls with showers and swirling winds were entering the canyon as we departed, and with both motors chugging and the main sail up with reef 1 set, we rounded the headland outside the bay to enjoy big confused seas, heavy blowing rain, and winds up to around 20 knots. Lovely.
We continued to motor sail towards our departure waypoint about a mile East of Nuku Hiva in 2 – 3 meter swells and poor visibility, but we could see big blue hole out there where our waypoint resided. In about an hour we were past the mess weather and sailing along nicely, batteries now topped, engines off, full jib and reef 1 in the main. Winds were from the East 12-15 knots, but it took several hours for the seas to lay down after all that squall energy. By late afternoon we had passed through a couple more small squalls, but the evening was looking good. We enjoyed an early dinner and Isabel hit the rack, electing in these lumpy conditions to sleep in the aft berth. I stood watch until 0100 then rousted her out, then I climbed into the “cave” and got some Zs. The night was full of stars, no squalls, and the wind was a little light at times. During Isabel’s night watch we got as slow as 3 knots SOG, but things picked back up and by the time I stumbled out for a cup of coffee we were moving at a good clip.
Our first 33 hours underway have netted an average speed of 6.7 knots, a max of 11.9, and 220.3 nm behind us. The wind and seas have been just slightly aft of the beam making for a fast and more comfortable ride, although we have had occasional swell forward of the beam as well. Mixed seas don’t make for the nicest ride quality, but the swell that’s been forward of the beam has been pretty light and we’re fairly comfortable. It’s lumpy enough that we hand walk around the boat, always moving from one stabilizing grip to the next. Occasional lurches will about knock us down if we’re not hanging on, and the last thing we need out here is a serious injury.
The equator is 315 miles and we’re heading pretty much due North, although when able we are sneaking in a bit of Easting in case the wind heads us before we’re ready to turn left for Hilo. We’ve banked about 15 miles to the East so far. The wind has picked up tonight, and since the clock rolled midnight our chart plotter is showing an average of 7.4 knots. These sorts of conditions are what we experienced coming from Gambier, and it sure would be fun to end the passage with a 7.0 knot average speed like last time. Only 1852 miles to go to Hilo!
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