***Life on board***
We had a slower day today. We have gotten pretty far south now and have lost some of the extra speed we were getting from the SEC (South Equatorial Current) so our average has dropped down a bit. We sent up the #1 headsail on the whisker pole today to try to make more progress west and less progress south (this is having mixed results). Eventually we may have to turn "dead down wind" for a bit to gain some northward and get back into the current. The sail change and the large swell is making the boats motion quite uncomfortable and we are rolling back and forth sometimes violently and without regularity. The problem is that the boat has a hard time sailing at an angle just off of dead down wind. It either likes to sail directly with the wind or about 45 degrees off on either side. THe course we want to take is right in between these at the moment so we have to pick. Since the Marquesas is still south of us, we will probably just stay on the southward heading otherwise its almost like going the wrong way (north)
There were mountains of flying fish today. Will was struck by, not 1 but 2 large flying fish this evening while we were sitting in the cockpit watching a movie. He is apparently quite the flying fish charmer. The decks were covered with them this morning. Adam reported throwing off 18 dried out fish that flew to their death in the night. They smell terrible and leave their scales on everything.
We made a soup today and then rice and chicken noodles for dinner with a can of mixed fruit on the side. Counting down the miles.
***Communication***
Checked in with the net today. They are moving the check in time for the morning net since everyone is headed west and it is getting a bit early be having a net.
***Weather***
Lighter wind today but building back this evening. Swells still up and chop down a little.
Position (8:30pm):
08 deg 27' S
117 deg 50' W
Alan and the Crew