Windy
Where Next?
Bob Williams
Sat 29 Jun 2024 02:47
Course: ESE Speed: 6.5 knots
Wind: SSW, F5 - fresh breeze
Sea: moderate Swell: SW 2 meters
Weather: overcast, cool
Day's run: 165 nm
We pressed on overnight and have been rewarded with an excellent daily run of 165 miles, although it has meant weathering some windy conditions, including a near gale for several hours.
We rounded Cape Northumberland just as the front passed through at 0100 this morning, spot on time according to the forecast. Initially the wind eased from a near gale to force four as it shifted into the SW which, after gybing to the shift, had me shaking out the third and second reef in the main, as well as rolling out the full jib.
Now the wind has freshened again, up to force five, and unfortunately backed more into the south, such that we are now close reaching with two reefs in the main (and Oli is firmly ensconced under the bunk blankets).
The forecast is for the wind to remain fresh from the south for the next several days. Once we round Cape Otway sometime tomorrow morning I will need to decide whether to call into Port Phillip or to continue towards Sydney. If conditions remain favourable and Sylph and I remain in good shape then most likely we will press on. I find it hard to give up a good breeze.
All is well.