02:45S 89:54W

 

Our last few hours in the Galapagos were spent studying weather websites, downloading grib files, reading reports from a weather expert in Panama, discussing strategies with fellow cruisers and listening to updates from those already en route to the Marquesas.  In the end we opted to do what Australian sailor Ian from Outsider said.  “Just go for it mate – she’ll be right”.

So we did.  And it was.  Sometimes you can spend far too long analysing and it’s actually just better to get on with it. 

We left San Cristobal at 2pm after receiving our passports and zarpe (exit papers) promptly from our ever efficient and friendly agent Carmella.  Australian boat Southern Cross with Peter and Catherine on board (they did the island tour with us) left at the same time.  We put the sails up once out of the harbour in the faint hope of finding a sniff of wind and were stunned to find a lovely afternoon breeze that had us trickling along at around four knots.  As we left the island the breeze freshened and for a while steadied at around 15 knots – if this is sailing in the doldrums bring it on.

As darkness fell the wind eased but didn’t die and we managed to keep sailing right through the night – slowly but surely – with Southern Cross right on our port quarter all night.

It was wonderful to be at sea again although some last minute nerves kicked in as we set off on what will be our longest passage.....3000 miles. 

We both slept well on our off watches and by dawn the wind had freshened to 18 knots and Bandit was rocketing along at 6-7knots.

All the above analysis of weather has convinced us to head due south to get down to around five degrees where the consistent south east trades kick in. Going south means covering more miles but there is an ITCZ (inter tropical convergence zone) that we need to avoid.

A sloppy swell kicked in mid morning but once we get down to the trades we’re hoping for flat seas and consistent winds.