Becalmed

L'Esprit de la Mer
Dr Chris Bates
Sat 30 Mar 2013 13:44
00 32 61 N 83 29 94 S
I finally ran out of useful wind at about 10 last night.this combined with a strong northerly current meant very little headway overnight.Never the less the daily run was still 137nm.It is frustrating to be stuck 35nm north of the Equator.I have always sailed across before but there is always afirst time.The problem is that by careful observation of the weather I left at the right time and have managed to sail all of the way so far.The weather having changed and pressure rising means that it could be a wek before we see wind again.The grib for the next 48hrs shows very light easterly wind.Right direction but this current makes things impossible.I need to head south to reach some west going current so its engine on perhapsfor the next 150nm.Plenty of fuel since haven´t used any yet.
The ITCZ is abouit me.some south going swell,none coming north yet so suggesting I have further to go.still no towering clouds..
All well here.Although spent most of night trying to get the boat south did manage could sleep
chris