Jamaica Outbound

Hi everyone, 

At 1200 today we were at 19 15N 075 08W steering 080M, motoring at 5.5 knots. Sunny sky. Wind 3G6 from the S. Our noon to noon daily run was 133nm by the log.

Yesterday afternoon we had a nice SE breeze which allowed us to make good easting.  By midnight the wind had backed to NE and we turned with it, taking the chance to make some northing.  All just about close-hauled, perhaps cracked a little to keep Zen Again moving well through the swell.

At midnight we dropped a reef in the main when apparent wind rose above 16 knots.  That was much more comfortable.  We had one furl in the yankee.  At 0730 we shook out the reef and were back under full sail.  We tacked from tracking 000M to 150M, then back again.  We have an adverse current which is slowing our progress.

Overnight we had a crescent moon initially which was very bright.  After it set we had an amazing starscape to watch.

This morning there’s barely a cloud in the sky and it’s a nice day.  Except that the wind is very light.  Until 1130 we were beam reaching E in light airs.  The swell from the NE wasn’t helping, and nor was the current.  So at 1130 the donk went on and we’re making good progress.  When we start the engine we have to give her a burst astern to throw off accumulated weed on the prop.  The AutoProp is great, but as a feathering type it’s a good weed catcher.

Wind should return this evening so hopefully we won’t be motoring for very long.

Trust all’s well where you are.