Cocos-Keeling to Rodrigues Passage Summary

Hi everyone,

Here is our summary of the passage, starting with our track...

Zen Again track

Now the vital statistics...

• Distances/Speeds
• Logged distance = 2052nm
• GPS distance = 2040nm
• Duration = 14 days 1 hour
• Average speed = 6.0 knots
• Average day's run = 146nm
• Best day's run = 153nm
• Minimum speed = 4.0 knots
• Maximum speed = 8.5 knots

• Weather
• Minimum wind speed = 10 knots
• Maximum wind speed = 40 knots
• Apparent wind angle range = 90 to 160
• Seas up to 3m
• Swell up to 3m, from SE and SSW
• Two days of overcast conditions, otherwise scattered clouds at most
• Two nights with intermittent light showers

• Engine
• Total = 20 hours
• Driving = 1 hour (departure and arrival only)
• Charging = 19 hours

• Consumption
• Water = 80 litres
• Fuel = 30 litres
• Books = 8 (3 + 5)
• Music = lots
• Videos = 4

• Failures
• One autopilot ram failed after ~10,000nm of outstanding service

• Stars
• Mainsail with extra-deep reefs
• Yankee headsail
• Staysail
• Autopilot
• HF radio
• Satphone.Me email system (over Iridium GO!)
• Fridge
• GRIB file accuracy was good, noting they don't forecast local squalls/storms

We had a wide range of weather but the entire passage was downwind (as expected).  We were prepared for much worse weather so were pleasantly surprised by the conditions and feel very lucky!  Several boats have said this was the best passage so far of their circumnavigation, and they're 2/3 of the way around the world.

We expected to be pooped and/or side-swiped regularly.  In the event we only copped one good 'un, which is almost unheard of.  I do think our keeping the boat moving well helped reduce such events, but the weather conditions helped a lot.

We continued to stand 3 on / 3 off watches which work well for us.  At times the on watch person cat-napped for 10 minute intervals.  The AIS alarm was always on.

We saw about 16 ships on AIS during the trip.  There were 3-4 a day or two out of CKI, then none for at least a week, then the rest during the last few days into Rodriguez.  The traffic was clearly in shipping lanes - initially to/from Sunda Strait and later to/from India.  We had to speak to two ships on VHF to ensure separation.  Both were very cooperative.

The passage was a great experience.  The boat behaved as well as we now expect.  We're enjoying Port Mathurin and look forward to exploring Rodriguez over the next couple of weeks.