More Light Winds and Calms
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Noon position: 38 37.5 S 144 51.7
E We continue to experience very light winds. For the most part we have been able to keep sailing but since rounding Wilsons Promontory we have encountered a small swell from the SW, Sylph's port beam, which causes her to roll, mostly gently but at times quite rapidly. This in turn makes it difficult for Sylph's sails to keep their shape as they flop from side to side in the shifting apparent wind, and for the wind vane to hold a steady course. At times I have resorted to the electronically controlled tiller pilot which does a better job of holding a steady course in these conditions and now, with no wind and twenty miles to Port Phillip Heads, I have resorted to the BRM. Sunset is at 2022, and slack water at the Rip is at 1850, followed by a flooding tide which turns at 0121. The forecast is for light S'ly winds turning light N'ly later this afternoon and freshening tomorrow towards noon. Putting this altogether, I would prefer to negotiate the Rip at slack water, failing that to enter on the flooding tide before sunset, and preferably to cross Port Phillip before the winds freshen from the north. So, we press on under motor, suppressing the guilt of burning fossil fuel and adding unnecessary CO2 to the global commons. All is well (though one cannot help but worry about the state of our precious planet). |