Indian Ocean Leg 2 Day Eleven 17 01.889S 071 05.584E

Aurora_b
Mike and Liz Downing
Mon 7 Oct 2013 11:54
Have continued to run under staysail alone for the last 24 hours, making 5.5 to 6.6 depending on the wind. Overnight it was pretty steady at 24 to 28kts, apart from 2 squalls in the evening that raised it to 34kts and gave more rain. They were the only 2 squalls we had, so much better. Late this morning the wind increased to 28 to 32kts, but the main concern though remains the big seas. Provided we keep them on the port quarter they have been okay, but the southerly cross swell that we get from time to time can be really nasty if it starts to break and a freight train of a wave slammed into us last night with a crashing bang and spray everywhere. We've had a few smaller ones do the same, but another big one of similar size has just done it again. Apart from that it's quite comfortable! Strong winds and big seas are expected to continue for another 24 hours, so we'll continue under staysail. The noon-to-noon run was 137 miles. Okay considering the conditions and that we're keeping the speed down. Just found a way of getting the seas down - get the camcorder out! The southerly swell is definitely camera shy. Shame we haven't got batteries and tapes to cover the next 24 hours!

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