01.40S 93.18W Thursday 21st July 2011
Mojo 2
Andrew Partington
Thu 21 Jul 2011 23:18
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Day two of the Pacific crossing is drawing to a
close, well at least the daytime part. We have sailed a massive 160NM+ on our
first full 24 hour period since leaving Galapagos and continue to make good boat
speed. The 160NM was all made on one long reach with a full genoa and
mainsail at the 2nd reef, in a 14-15 knot south-east breeze.
After leaving Puerto Ayora we sailed off the
southern coast of Isabella and out into the open ocean again. In the late
afternoon we sailed close to an island [Jane thinks it is called Romance Island
or similar] that is just the remainder of the top of a volcano crater. Part of
the wall of the crater has fallen away so that what is left is an amazing half
moon shaped island. It is an island I have seen several times on documentaries
on Galapagos but for the life of me I can't think of its name.
We had a great sail through the night and by
morning we were in still in a SE breeze at 11 knots and the most beautiful day
with clear blue skies. It has been weeks since I have seen a clear sky and it
was most welcome. As the day progressed the wind speed picked up and we are now
in 15 knots but the sky has become overcast again.
Jane and I have quickly settled into the routine of
an ocean crossing. We have both slept throughout the day and are feeling good.
The fact that we are at the 2nd reef in the main is also taking a great deal of
the stress of the crossing away from me. This set up is good for 25
knots downwind and if we do have to reduce further you are not having to deal
with a huge amount of sail.
We have passed several fishing boats today and all
of them had around 5-6 dinghys in tow. It looks as though they fish from the
dinghys and the main boat acts as a mothership?? This was all within an area of
about 15NM and some 180NM from Galapagos. As we approach dark we think [hope!!]
we have passed the last of them. Trying to pick your way through fishing boats
at night is not evem close to fun.
Had the fishing lure out all day today but so far
no action.
2800NM to go and we are currently making 7-8 knots
with the odd peak at 9 knots.
Looking for another good night and another 160NM -
fingers crossed!!
Andrew Partington.
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