Another turbulent day. Winds 20-25K from the SE and 3-4m seas. After
recording 214 miles noon to noon yesterday, we slowed down a bit under headsail
only and have been averaging a stately 7-8K. More than enough to make an early
morning arrival in Samoa on Wednesday. Well
actually it will be Thursday, as we will cross the international dateline
during Tuesday night/Wednesday morning. If we can time it perfectly and hit the
line with the bow at about 5 seconds to midnight, then by the time we come out
the other side, the date will have shifted two days ahead! i.e. we go from
Tuesday to Thursday. Life is getting shorter! Samoa used to be called Western Samoa,
but now its just Somoa. Until earlier this year, it was to the east of the
dateline. They decided to change ,apparently without much warning, so there
were a lot of locals a bit miffed when they lost birthdays etc. Along the way
we pass American Samoa
where they had a bad Tsunami a couple of years ago. Wind and seas have
moderated this morning and the sun is out. Now sailing dead downwind with full
main and poled out headsail. Still a bit rolly, but not too bad. Jean still not
100%.
24 hour distance: 175 Miles