Noon Position: 38 37.0 S 142 37.5 E
Course: ESE Speed: 4 knots
Wind: S, F1 light air
Sea state: 1 - ripples Swell: SW 2 meters
Weather: partly cloudy, mild
Day’s Run: 75 nm

Most of yesterday we sailed close hauled to a gentle S’ly breeze, changing up to the code zero at 1700 as the wind began to ease. By midnight the breeze had pretty much deserted us and unfortunately the swell made it impossible to keep Sylph’s sails drawing in what little remained. Each swell would pass under Sylph, pushing a slight breeze before it, then as we slid down the backside of the swell we would be becalmed and Sylph would roll back causing the sails to slat. We motored for an hour but at 0150 I had had enough. I reduced the main to one reef and shut down the engine, allowing Sylph to drift, rolling to the short swell for the remainder of the night while I got some sleep.

This morning there was still no wind. At 0850 I started the engine agian and we have been motoring since then. 

The forecast is not looking good – basically no wind until late tomorrow and then a headwind, but at least it will get us moving without the motor. For now we will likely motor for much of the rest of the day, then tonight drift, then tomorrow motor until we get some wind.

Given the difficult conditions and lack of progress, I remain undecided as to whether to stop in Melbourne or not. It seems we would likely not get to Melbourne until late Sunday then we would need to be out of Port Phillip Wednesday morning which would effectively only give us Monday to catch up with Mark.

We will see what the next 24 hours bring.

All is well.