Passage To Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands Day 13
Oyster Moon
Paul Foskett & Rhu Nash
Fri 30 Mar 2012 17:00
Passage To Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands Day 13
We left Puerto Ayora Galapagos Island heading for Hiva Oa in the Marquesas Islands at 08.00 am local time UTC (GMT) - 6 hours on Sunday the 18 Mach 2012.
Day 13 Distance to go, 1480 miles.
Log reading now at noon 13361
Distance travelled noon to noon over the ground was 107 miles, through the water 98 miles.
WE HAVE NOW DONE HALF THE DISTANCE
Noon to Noon report on the 30th March 12
We have managed to sail a full 24 hours again, but with very variable winds and weather. The day started off OK with the cruising shoot up until early evening. The wind was still only between 6 and 10 knots, but this gave us 2 to 5 knots of boat speed.
Just before sunset, some very dark clouds started to appear over the horizon, and heading in our direction. This was the first indication of a set of rain line squalls.
As a precaution, we took down the cruising shoot not wanting to be caught in a wind shift with it up. As it turned out his was a very wise decision, because as the first squall arrived, the wind increased to 20 to 25 knots and changed direction by about 90 to 120 degrees. However once all the squalls had passed by, the wind again dropped and our boat speed reduce yet again.
As dawn passed, and no further signs of any squalls, we raised it yet again, and are now travelling at 6 to 7.5 knots.
The sea state is now moderate.
Wildlife report
Still only a few flying fish and sea birds, but not much else.
Shipping report
None today
Fishing report
I have had another day off fishing, so STILL No fish yet!!!
Fleet Positions
Karacool set off with us, and her position is South of us by about ? miles (no position report today)
Camelot set off on Tuesday and is now 422 miles behind us.
Marita 3 set off on Tuesday and is now 430 miles behind us.
Cordelia an American boat we met on Saturday night before we left, has just joined the radio net. They also left on Sunday. There position is now ? miles ahead of us. (no position report today)
Next report on the 31st.
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