And On and On Into the Solomon Sea (andante)
Where Next?
Bob Williams
Sun 8 Dec 2013 02:28
Course: North Speed: 3 knots
Wind: South sou’ west, F3 - gentle breeze
Sea: slight Swell: negligible
Weather: overcast, drizzle at times, warm, and humid
Days run: 83 nm sailed (and drifted), 73 nm made good.
The forecasts have been for very light winds and lots of rain but, thus far, apart from the odd thunderhead passing by, we have had mostly fair winds and only some light drizzle. In fact, right now, we have the wind behind us and are running square, wing on wing making good a tad over three knots.
For the last twenty four hours we have been running parallel to a major shipping route, and have seen many large ships going by. Thankfully the AIS provides me with a considerable level of security, not to say comfort, warning me of their approach. I expect the big motor vessels will be taking the shorter route to their destination (perhaps the same as mine), going west of New Britain Island, whereas I plan to head east of New Ireland, for a better wind angle and to reduce the risk of typhoons. So we should be clear of this potential hazard later today. And I think it is also now fairly safe to say that we are effectively out of the high risk cyclone area.
We continue to make very satisfactory progress.
All is well.