Morning raised more canvas and back to trucking along, waves started to be very annoying. As the morning kept going the swell became more organized and the sailing motion wasn’t bad. Or we we were getting desensitized. The seas were not as jagged with the period between waves getting a bit longer. So the forecast promised the sun to show its self. Looked like the sun wanted to, but it had to break through all the rain threatening clouds.
Then one dark cloud was all around, you could feel the cold wind get colder as it got closer. Wasn’t bringing too much extra wind, just left the sails up. Rolled up a little head sail, took the boat through the car wash. On the other side of the car wash the sun came out, but Mr wind disappeared. Waited patiently for about an hour, listening to the sails flap in any minuscule puff, or slam when the swell passed under the boat before cranking and engine.
Took the sails down, and finally a little breeze could be felt. Hmmmm. Blue skies maybe 8knots of wind. Let’s see if the spinnaker will fly, and fly it does. Ran our biggest sail for the rest of the day, till dark. Don’t like the darkness and not being able to see the squalls even with the bright moon. So, we took the sail down.
Motored all night, wind should build back up by lunch time and then be right on the nose. Sailing into the wind, that should complete all points of sail on this trip. Also means the next weather system will cross our path as we arrive Minerva.
With a nice spinnaker run, a nice butter chicken was prepared for dinner. Were even able to hear French Polynesia on the SSB and chat with some friends still there.
A good day, slow but good. Was able to shed a few layers of clothes for a few hours while the sun was shining. More than 1/2 way now, with 380 or so miles to go. Motoring kills our average speed. 😅