10:46.72N 86:36.05W

 

The strong papagayo winds from the small Gulfo de Papagayo in Costa Rica are accelerated by the trade winds from the Caribbean and not to be trifled with. This is the other reason for sailing close in shore to avoid the sea building up with the winds. Unfortunately with some engine problems, we were not able to stay inshore and had to sail as close to the wind as possible being pushed further off shore and receiving a good beating of 30 knots of wind and very rough seas throughout the night. Theses winds are well known for affecting the coast as far up as El Salvador, as well as the weather hundreds of miles out into the Pacific. With an adverse current our speed was reduced to 3 knots.

The sea has calmed down since then but this does not mean it might still blow again tonight. Well, by tomorrow morning we will have passed this area and hope for less current and more pleasant conditions.