Day 31 - Winds Freshening

Where Next?
Bob Williams
Thu 13 Jan 2022 22:57
Noon Position: 46 11.1 S 147 33.7 W
Course: E Speed: 6.5 knots
Wind: NNW, F5 Sea: moderate
Swell: NNE, 2 meters
Weather: partly cloudy, mild
Day's Run: 100nm

We had light winds overnight, which had us mostly making three to four knots. While that has made for a low daily run (relative for this voyage at least) it did make for another peaceful night. However, as promised, that is changing. The wind is increasing, now at force 5 and expected to increase further by late this afternoon to force 7. We have one reef in the main and about 90% jib, and Sylph's speed is back up to its more usual 6.5 knots.
Meanwhile, Coconut has experienced light headwinds for much of yesterday which means Sylph is rapidly overhauling her. As of last night she was 120 miles to the ESE. I expect we should be within VHF range in the next 48 hours or so, assuming I can intercept her based on Mark's evening position reports. While I am sure Mark's navigation is beyond reproach, the GGR rules limit him to using astro-navigation, the positional accuracy of which has intrinsic limitations, especially when conducted from a small vessel in rough conditions, and conditions are forecast to get rougher over the next couple of days. It would certainly be a shame to miss the opportunity of getting some photos of the two vessels out here in the wilderness of the far South Pacific, but we will do our best.

All is well.