[password]tompkins
[position]16 12.5N 152 43.7W
[speed]7.2
[heading]305m
[weather] 25kn from 080 true. 2m NE swell over squall chopped seas
[status] 9am HST - The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting colder as we move into winter. Last night we were treated to an unending parade of squalls in the 25-30 knots range, with thelulls in the 20-24 knot range. Carried on through the night with triple reefed sail and staysail, making 7.5 to 9.5 knots at 080 AWA. It was a very bumpy night. At 0600 we took down the staysail to slow things down for better motion and still fast enough at around 7 knots. There are no squalls this morning, it is just very windy! We are seeing a steady 25-28 knots and the sea is stroppy. Waves are occasionally breaking over the boat with some drips here and there and the cockpit is one very wet place. Good thing our autopilot is doing the job of steering. We have about 230 miles to the south cape of the Big Island and expect these o continue conditions the rest of the way. Looking forward to the calm, smooth waters in the lee of the Big Island and the trip up to Kona.
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