The fresh breeze has kept up. No more doldrums. But it has shifted south. Seas are rougher. We experimented with motoring directly on our heading to the Galapagos, which now is straight into the wind, and only managed 2.5 knots. With 240 NM to go, you can do the math.
So, we put on some music, had a sandwich and a beer, and hunkered down. Pete and Don beating to the windward mark, playing the shifts. We have an appointment to keep. A double reefed main, half furled jib, and motor at 2200 RPM gives us the best speed into the waves. Our boat speed of 6 (occasionally 7) knots gives us a velocity made good of 3 to 4 knots, depending on the wind direction.
Things could change again, although Pete thinks this will be pretty much the trend for the remainder of the crossing. He has dubbed it the Great Galapagos Race - who will arrive first, the hikers or the sailors? Martha and Di arrive June 10 by air.
PS A beautiful pod of 20 pilot whales came to look us over mid-morning. We looked them over too as they swam directly behind QuickStar for a couple of miles. Sleek, graceful, black beasts.
1 comment:
We can do the math? Are you kidding? Who will write the essays?
Keep on truckin' and say hi to Yurtle (and the Girtles) when you arrive.
T.B.R.
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