A Rough Night

Where Next?
Bob Williams
Wed 3 Feb 2016 19:49
Noon Position: 22 34.6 N 110 15.3 W
Course: West sou' west Speed 6..5 knots
Wind: North F5 fresh breeze
Sea: moderate Swell: north west 2 meter
Weather: sunny, warm
Day's run: 111 nm

It has been a rough night. We broke free of the wind shadow of Cabo San Lucas around 10 pm and with a fresh breeze forecast I took the precaution of immediately putting a reef in the mainsail and partially furling the headsail. This proved wise for an hour later I had to reduce sail further to two reefs in the main and about 30% headsail. Despite the reduced sail area we careened along in a spray drenched ride, punching across steep blockish waves, but still making good over seven knots. The cat and I spent a restless night wedged into the sea berth with a pillow jammed into the lee cloth to make it a tad more comfortable, while an annoying little drip creeping in from somewhere added to our discomfort (I suspect I need to reseal the window above the bunk). Large waves regularly crashed over the decks, and when I went on deck to scan the horizon it was a matter of hanging on tight and ducking under the dodger every few moments. Despite the strong wind it was a beautiful clear night, the milky way rolled out its carpet of stars while the shore lights of San Lucas faded below the horizon astern of us. Two ships passed close by, one I had to alter course for, but since my incident in the Korean Strait I have decided not to talk to merchant ships on the radio. While I am sure most ships are crewed by competent and courteous seafarers, these days I assume they will run me down if given half the chance.

Some good news about RC, I received an email from the quarantine service in Hawaii yesterday informing me that the requisite blood test can be done there, though I will have to organise my own veterinarian etc. So that is a step in the right direction.

Meanwhile the wind remains fresh, the sun is shining, the sky cloudless and blue, the seas are the rich royal blue of the open ocean, flecked with numerous white caps, and Sylph continues to surge along at six to seven knots.

All is well.