Around North Head

Where Next?
Bob Williams
Tue 14 Jan 2020 00:37
Noon Position: 34 33.1 S 173 16.6 E
Course: S Speed: 33 knots
Wind: SE, F2 slight breeze
Sea: slight Swell: NE 1 m
Weather: sunny, warm
Day’s run: 80 nm

Light winds continue to continue, as do headwinds.

We resorted to the BRM to round North Head during a night of calms and, in
the absence of a dampening north wind, a long swell rolling in from the
Southern Ocean. At 0700 we at last passed the troublesome headland and found
a little wind. Of course, by then it had switched into the SE, the direction
we now needed to go in. I think this is the longest stint of sailing close
hauled I have done to date, though for the most part it has been quite
pleasant with warm days and calm seas. Also, having the wind forward of the
beam makes for a greater apparent wind speed and therefore more boat speed
than if we had these light winds from aft of the beam – a plus in light
winds but a minus in a fresh breeze.

ETA Opua: midday tomorrow.

All is well.

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