9:44N 143:39W

 

Just before night fall Paul had the urge to put the third reef in the main and reduce the headsail to very small. We had no squalls but a heavy overcast sky and winds coming up to near gale force 30 knots. The sea was 3 m high on our beam with the occasional very large one splashing green water over the decks. One of those waves poured over Catherine, as she was sitting attentively in the cockpit thinking about reducing speed. Paul was woken by the crushing water cascading down the companionway.

It was time to furl the headsail in completely and we were kept busy with clearing up the mess, mopping up the water, checking for damages (nothing but a locker with tins of food awash in seawater) and a vigilant watch, monitoring the winds.

Now the wind has reduced to a more comfortable 15 knots from the NE, seas are moderating...with the occasional big wave. Kahia is all tidy again, tins and locker sorted, wet clothes and towels drying in the sun and crew rested, after catching up on sleep.

Our 24 Hour log is 160 miles and 900 miles to go.

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