Just Perfect

Where Next?
Bob Williams
Sat 11 Jun 2011 01:56
Noon Position: 22 50.1 S 171 05.0 E
Course:
West sou' west, Speed: 5 knots
Wind:
East nor' east, F3 gentle breeze
Weather:
Sunny, warm
Day's run: 129 miles


We have a nice gentle breeze from right astern, the swell is imperceptible, the seas are slight, the sky is clear and the sun is shining. The jib is poled out to port and the drifter is set to starboard while the mainsail, along with my nerves, is having a lovely rest. The wind vane is doing a great job keeping Sylph running before the light breeze and keeping the headsails full. I had to drop the drifter for about 45 minutes this morning to effect a repair to the leech as one of the seams was starting to split. It was a small job but with the potential to become a big one if not attended to promptly. Now this wonderful old sail, it must be at least 30 years old if it is a day, is back up and the conditions are perfect for this sail configuration. For the light winds Sylph has put in a very respectable day's run, undoubtedly we are getting a little assistance from some current. It is all very pleasant indeed. The weather faxes show a large stationary front in the vicinity of New Caledonia which we must pass through in a few days from now, so the balmy weather won't last forever but we will enjoy it while it lasts.

All is well.