Noon Position: 36 43.0 S 150 20.0 E
Course: W Speed: 2.5 knots
Wind: SSW, F3 – gentle breeze
Sea: slight Swell: E 1m / S 1m
Weather: mostly sunny
Day’s run: 102nm sailed, 84nm made good

The wind has remained light for the past 24 hours but we were able to keep sailing overnight, with a single reefed main and the jib poled out to port. The wind was from the NNE, mostly a gentle force three, sometimes less, and with the odd increase to a moderate force four as rain clouds passed over us. I kept a reef in the main partly because of a concern that there might be something heavier in the passing showers, but mainly to reduce wear and tear on the main and the rigging as the sails frequently flogged to and fro in response to Sylph rolling in the confused swell. Sometimes Sylph would go for as much as half an hour without slatting, especially if the wind freshened ever so slightly, but most of the time a train of short waves from the East would set her off and all I could do was grin and bear it.

This morning, at 0545, the wind died out completely, so we handed sail and resorted to the BRM until 1000 when a gentle breeze from the South filled in. We have once more hoisted sail and are now close hauled on the port tack, closing the coast - still very slowly. The Bureau reckons we should find a favourable current closer in, and also we will then be able to get within phone range again.

The wind is forecast to back into the North and freshen later this evening, which should have us making some decent miles at last, and see us entering Bass Strait. However, the favourable breeze is only expected to last for 24 hours before turning light and on the nose again. And it looks like there is the possibility of some nasty weather later next week. Despite the contrary conditions I am hoping to be inside Port Phillip before the nasty weather arrives, maybe even in time for the Melbourne Cup, but unfortunately the odds are looking a little long on this result and I won't be betting on it.

All is well.