Day 170 – Continuing South

Where Next?
Bob Williams
Wed 1 Jun 2022 06:37
Noon Position: 31 39.5 S 089 07.4 E
Course: SE Speed: 4 knots
Wind: ENE Force 3
Sea: slight Swell: SE 2 m / SE 2 m
Weather: overcast, mild
Day’s Run: 100 nm

The winds have varied in direction over the last 24 hours between ENE and SE but have remained relatively constant in strength, between force three and four. The swell on the other hand a SW’ly swell is starting to become more dominant and creating a confused and lumpy ocean, so I am glad that we have had sufficient wind to keep Sylph moving in relative comfort through it all. At the moment the wind is in the ENE allowing us to make a SE’ly course but on average we have only made good a southerly heading.
According to my facsimile charts, a high pressure system remains firmly entrenched at around 39°S 090°E (450 miles to the south of us) extending a ridge most of the way to Cape Leeuwin. I can only hope that a low pressure system may extend a trough north on the eastern side of the high and give us a more favourable SW’ly flow (but nothing too strong please). Until that happens, if indeed it does, we continue to push south to try to get on the other side of the high, while making as much ground to the east as the winds will allow.
If we have to endure headwinds then force three to four is ideal. A satisfactory day’s run.
All is well.