[password] n0tap!wd
[position] 33 27S 173 21E
[course] 135 M
[speed] 5.7 kt
[weather] Wind SW at 18-20 kts. Seas SW 2.0 m and NW 1-1.5 m. Cloud 10%.
[status] This description of our frontal crossing off N. Cape is for David's research. Consider it the least I could do in thanks for your volunteer service to cruisers. I realize it may be more in depth than what was requested, but I also understand (intimately) the difficulties associated with collecting reliable field data. Wind speeds were collected from my 2013 Raymarine anemometer (details available), which received a new controller (ITC-5) this past September; I have not yet had a chance to confirm the calibration of the new controller absolutely, but readings have always corresponded well with forecasts, nearby observations, Beaufort scale indications, and my experience. Readings were taken sporadically during watch changes, regular deck checks, and for longer stretches during peak wind conditions for the purpose of this record. I should begin by stating that it was our strategy on this passage to >avoid the most turbulent and windy zones within the fronts in our path. To this end, we stalled our southward progress north of the front of Nov 21/22 off N. Cape and bore considerably west to allow the core of the front to cross ahead of us. At 0015 (local)near position 32 08S 173 27E, sustained winds were NW 18 kt. For a period of approximately 4 hr from about 0200-0600, peak sustained winds were 23-27 kt (much of the variability owing to the high sea state), or ~25 kt on average; gusts did not exceed 30 kt (while I watched the instruments). Winds subsided thereafter and backed slightly to about WNW 14-16 kt by 1000, at which time we crossed the actual front (or the weak tail end of it). The wind backed to SW in minutes, and then diminished from SW 12-14 kt to SW 2-4 kt within 40 minutes. SW wind built again from ~1115, reaching SW 18-20 kt within a half hour or so...where they remain now. We have shaken out reefs and born off on a close reach for Cape Brett, and are making good way despite the confused seas. A fellow cruiser checking in on SSB radio at 0715 from position 34 10S 174 41E (110 nm SE of our 0715 position) reported sustained winds of W 25-30 kt with gusts to 40 kt. They were lying ahull making 2.5 kt at 160T waiting for conditions to moderate so they could continue their passage.
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