24/5/08 22:00

Anthony replied with the following:

“I have had satellite connection problems so have not managed to download as 
much information as I need to give you a briefing. However, from what I have
it  seems there are two options. The first, which is much longer is to get into
the  E tradewinds to the north and then head SW to the Easter Islands. The
second  will be a lot more rigorous. You have to cross the front to the south of
you,  pick up the E winds on the high to the south of that, dodge fronts and
lows that  come through and then cross a front again to get north. The fronts
look as  though they typically have W 40-50 knots. My recommendation would be
the first  option.”

No prizes for guessing our preferred option.

25/5/08 07:00

We had a bit of a damp and lumpy night; the wind went WNW Force 6 accompanied by light rain, not great for sleeping.  This was expected and by this afternoon the wind should turn South and we should be able to sail at last. The new conditions should stay for several days.

Demetri furled the main last night as it was flogging and one of the vertical battens dropped down and has broken in the mast, something we’ll sort out when its gets light  and there are two of us and it’s not raining.  I realize that’s a lot to ask for.

When we get to New Zealand the sails will be over four years old and will have done many thousands of smiles.  When I replace the main I will seriously consider not having the vertical battens which while they give a positive roach and probably 5-8 percent more sail area, I don’t think they’re worth the trouble as we are always battling with them. The system for fixing them in the sail is hopeless and they tend to snag when furling.  Later on last night Steve tried the staysail and after a minute or so it dropped having become disconnected at the top from the halyard. Another job for later. 

25/5/08 13:00

The main is sorted minus one of the battens, but the staysail seems to have broken the top webbing strap. We are well and truly back in the world of familiar grey damp ooze.  The Wind is Still WNW Force 6 but hopefully that will change in a few hours. Am still waiting to hear back from Anthony.   Yesterday’s run was 180 miles under power.  We are 1756 miles from Easter Island but in reality it will be farther that that.