May 4, 2016
Position: 31 30.36 S, 173 20.07 E
May 4, 2016
All day yesterday, today and last night we were laid over “on her ear” as we pressed into the 25 knot NE winds, making as much northing as possible. Around noon we cracked off a bit to ease the ride, and have been sailing at a pretty good clip with the winds coming 60 degrees over the bow. This sailing angle also gets us further to the west–which is a good thing–because an ugly little low is forecast to spin down from the tropics over the next few days. Our strategy is to benefit from the strong easterly flows ahead of the low, while at the same time being far enough north and west of the low so that we are on the tailing edge of it when it passes over us, and in lower latitudes (around 25-27 degrees) so that we don’t feel any of the gale-force winds generated as it intensifies toward NZ. Already we are able to get more on a beam reach and are flying to the NW. We can expect a pretty lively beam reach in 20-25 knots or so, and we fortunately have the option of running off on a sleigh-ride when the easterlies kick in hard. After the low passes through it will kill the wind and we will probably have 3 days of motoring in light variables until the SE trades re-establish themselves again. Playing this weather window and developing a sailing route has been satisfying. I had my doubts when we went offshore and into the Northerlies, but our hard work of sailing close-hauled for a few days is now paying off. Like money in the bank. Taz has really found his sea legs after the first day or two! We’ve been spending almost all of our time below with him, as the cockpit resembles more of a water park splash ride than a nice place to sit. The one or two times I stuck my head around the corner of the dodger I got smacked so hard by waves that my ears were ringing! We’re content to play games below with him—one of his favorites is finding Daddy’s belly-button. He’s really starting to use his imagination and loves hanging out with his stuffed kitty, kangaroo, and kiwi. Nothing makes him laugh harder than watching them go flying across the cabin! He stands up on the cushion like a surfer riding a wave, arms low and palms down. I must admit that he’s got better balance and poise than his Dad!
