COG 310T

SOG 5.5kts

Wind 

I should have read Des’s second update before writing yesterdays post! What I had forgotten and what Des reminded me is that the ITCZ moves north at this time of year. By mid July it will have reached 17 degrees north and be a significant component of the Caribbean hurricane season. So, this year we are within the ITCZ and trying to get out of it as it heads north whereas last year, you may recall, when in the Maldives it was steadfastly refusing to come north and we had to sail right along the northern edge in the convection zone with squalls all the way from Chagos to the Seychelles.

Last night there was a gentle SE breeze, enough to motorsail comfortably with 1500rpm on the engine. With the dawn this morning the wind backed to ESE and rose enough for us to have a lovely sail at 5+kts. All the weather gribs say that tonight the wind backs again to the ENE and rises a little as we begin to feel the effect of the trade wind. However, as I write this at 0235 Vega time (UTC-2) the wind is still E and we are still within the clutches of the ITCZ.
Meanwhile EmilyLuna is sailing along at 6kts and enjoying a spectacular lightning display over mainland Brazil at night. So far so good but they still have to tackle the ITCC as they head west! We keep our fingers crossed it will be an easier crossing than ours!

On the domestic front I cooked a spicy cabbage and squash dish. We have rediscovered the pressure cooker in an attempt to save gas and a couple of minutes was enough to cook the cabbage, squash and sweet potato beautifully. Vegetables seem to cook well in a pressure cooker while still retaining texture (ie not going to mush). Sadly I was a bit cavalier with the spices and Annie is hoping to tone it down today into something more palatable!