We must actually be doing it!
Kokamo's Pacifc Meanderings
Tom and Rachel
Sun 2 May 2010 03:58
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(33:05.5S 175:24.8E) There have
been several moments in the last 10 days when I've found it impossible to
believe it would actually happen... but incredibly we are striking north into
the Pacific Ocean.
At first it felt quite surreal that
we were really leaving. It suddenly dawned on both Rach and I
that this was the moment that years of planning and months of hardwork had been
building up to. The fact that the moment was ocurring just didn't
feel feasible. But quickly it felt so much better to be out here than
constantly stressing in the marina, with mobile phone and, even better, wallet
stashed away,
For this first big passage of our
journeys (around 1200 miles) we've joined a Rally of about 30 boats, all heading
to Tonga, organised by the very efficient Island Cruising Association.
This has proved really useful in helping us find out information and providing
support already, and is comforting to know there are 30 other boats are out
here.... somewhere. In typical Tom & Rachel style though, we weren't
quite ready for the 10.30 am start yesterday. With the engine
set-back and Mark our crew only joining us last night, we thought it better to
make sure everything was thoroughly sorted on board before setting out. So
we crossed the 'start line' (it's not really a race) nearly 3 hours late,
but hey, what's a few hours over what is likely to be a 12 day
passage?
The date picked for the start of the
rally - Mayday - tuned out to be suitably auspicious. The weather window
we were all looking for opened up in the morning, and we left with 25 knots from
the Sou' West - directly behind us. Perfect. We spent last night
cruising 'downhill' under poled out genoa only, and today we put the main up too
and have been goosewinged. As we reached the deep water and ocean
swell, Kokamo started a bit of downwind rock 'n roll - but it's not too
uncomfortable. Most of us have kept most of our food down most of the
time... The 3 of us are in good spirits.
So we're pointing in the direction we
want to go, averaging a good 6 knots, and the sun is shining. Hopefully
there should be new pin marker on the map on this blog - the
first step towards Tonga to the north and east....
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