Kanton by Night
Where Next?
Bob Williams
Wed 30 Mar 2016 23:59
Course: SW Speed: 3 knots
Wind: E, F3 –gentle breeze
Sea: slight Swell: NE 1 meters
Weather: mostly sunny, warm
Day’s run: 135 nm
We passed close by Kanton Island in the dark at four this morning. As we passed I could hear the faint sound of machinery, I would guess a diesel generator. Quick check of my “World Fact Book”: electricity consumption per capita – 88 kWh; compared with Australia – 8,901 kWh, only 100 times more; and the US – 13,732 kWh (1995 figures – no internet out here). I decided not to stop, it’s attractions insufficient to overcome my desire to continue on. The winds are becoming lighter, and the forecast is for even lighter winds ahead. I have suspected that we have enjoyed the assistance of a favourable current since leaving Hilo due to Sylph’s consistently higher than average daily runs, and speeds at times of ten knots or so in the squalls. Yesterday I broke out the antique trailing log, attached it to the pushpit rail and threw the rotator over the side. My log no doubt needs recalibration – the rotator is home made and the fins probably need tweaking – but initial readings indicate a current of 1.1 knots.
A rain squall is passing over: first some wind, then rain, then no wind. We flop about, waiting for the skies to clear and for the light gradient wind to return.
1,094 nm to Fiji, 2,844 to Sydney.
All is well.