West of Darwin - Day 4 - 12 28.355S 122 16.906E
Aurora_b
Mike and Liz Downing
Mon 9 Sep 2013 07:06
A day when we got really really excited if the speed went
above 4.5kts! Light winds (5-10kts) for the whole 24
hours. Ran the engine for an hour overnight when the wind dropped out and
our speed through the water dropped below 2kts. At that speed the
sails collapse with the swell and it doesn't do them any good. The
forecasts are suggesting light winds will continue, but there will be
slightly more wind to the north, so if we run the engine that's where we
head. The noon to noon run was only 106.2 miles. On the positive
side, it's been another lovely sunny day and we have sailed over 500
miles (so only another 1483 miles to go!) Customs came to say hello again,
Customs 44 this time. We assume they have different call signs depending on the
crew, rather than that number of planes! But you never know - border patrol is a
very hot political topic in Australia. Anyway, it's nice to see them fly
past and good to know that they know we're out
here.
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