So Far So Good

Where Next?
Bob Williams
Tue 15 Dec 2020 23:46
Noon positions: 41 06.3 S 176 29.9 E
Course: SSE Speed 5 knots
Wind: NW, F3. Sea: moderate. Swell: SE, 2m
Weather: sunny, mild
Day’s run: 108 nm

We lost sight of ‘Windchase’ yesterday in the early afternoon as they chose to remain close inshore while we headed offshore away from the vagaries of the coast. (I also suspect ‘Windchase’ is slightly faster than ‘Sylph’, at least in the lighter winds.) The winds remained light during the afternoon and I took the opportunity to set the drifter for a while. I had had it repaired back in Whangarei and it has not seen the light of day for quite some time. It must be over forty years old now, has done many miles, and has had many repairs. Indeed, when Kate picked it up from the sailmaker he told her that we should only set it in light winds or, better still, not to set it in any wind at all. Oh well, one day it will no doubt fall apart but until then I figure I may as well get the most out of it.

The winds remained relatively light overnight but of sufficient strength to allow us to sail and not resort to the engine. And this morning, at 0900 as we passed Castlepoint, the wind picked up to force five requiring a reef in the main and a partly furled jib. But the fresh breeze only lasted for half an hour and we are now back under full sail making good about four knots, beam-reaching on the starboard tack to a light north-westerly.

All is well.