Hi everyone,
At 1200 today we were at 41 02N 039 05W steering 120M, broad reaching under double-reefed main and single-furled yankee at 5 knots. It was sunny (again) with a few small cumulus clouds. The wind was 12G17 from the WSW. Our noon to noon run by the log was 119nm. 380nm at 120M to Flores - about a Freo to Carrnarvon.
Yesterday afternoon we had a great sail under a sunny sky. The N winds continued nicely, persisting longer than we had expected. For some hours we were averaging over 6 knots boat speed. The weather was so good I took a salt water shower in the cockpit - very nice indeed!
During the evening the N wind gradually eased as the High pressure system moved over us. The WindPilot steered the boat on a beam to broad reach down to about 6 knots apparent, then the autopilot took over. The engine came on at 2045 when the sails were starting to slat. We motored overnight in very light winds and a gradually diminishing left-over sea until 0820 this morning when the new W wind (on the N side of the High) moved in.
Soon after the engine went on we noticed a large bird trying to land-on. Eventually he found a perch on one side of the goalpost, with his 'stern' outboard. I wasn't too keen on having a big bird within a metre or two of where we're on watch so gave him a nudge with a winch handle. He's a heavy bird and held on tight, and pecked at the winch handle with his evil-looking beak. OK mate, welcome aboard. Thankfully he only stayed with us overnight. He flew off looking well preened after a night of R&R and left our decks clean. Nice birdy! We think he was a booby.
Last night was also very nice for star gazing after a spectacular 1/4 moon set. Hopefully tonight will be clear too, allowing us to look out for the Perseid meteor shower which peaks tonight.
We hope to 'ride the High' all the way to Flores. A strong Low is moving past to our N, compressing the isobars and creating a nice wind for us in the S, but not so pleasant for anyone well N of us.
Trust all's well where you are.
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