We are on day two with no real wind to speak of. At sundown last night we put together our strategy for approaching the southern reef at Minerva, we thought we would be approaching the southern reef at about 3:00 in the morning. We are now 1:30 in the afternoon and still about 17 miles away! We are still an optimistic bunch After a long night spinning in circles while bobbing in the ocean, we were all ready to start moving. At sunrise we pulled out the assymetrical spinnaker. There were light winds from the south and we thought it might help us with our progress. For about a half hour we were making 5 knots in 7 knots of wind. The wind became lighter and more shifty. Those who are interesting in learning to sail, light winds sure gets the mind ticking to find options. It is also nice to be able to experiment. At four in the morning, Ron and I put the genoa and main sail wing on wing. We had not tried to sail in that configuration before. When the spinnaker was curling in the variable winds everyone had a suggestion. There was a bit of cooperation amongst the guys and a bit of do your own thing. I decided I would just document this exchange. I have attached a photo of Martin on the trampoline. I am pretty sure he was praying to the spinnaker Gods and wishing the wind back. Zachary had his own idea and wanted to taunt them. For all novices looking for a solution if in similar circumstances, from an outside perspective, neither of these tactics seemed to work. Eventually, the spinnaker was dropped. As the guys contemplated this situation, I fixed some breakfast. Decided to have a sleep and got up and put out my lure still hoping for a fish for dinner. While I was laying down, the guys tried to repair our torn main sail. It is going to have to wait until Tonga. We are underway again, making three knots. My lure is doing its best not to sink as it is pulled behind the boat, fingers crossed a big fat fishy will take a bite. Trolling in light winds is a tactic I am trying out Maybe the bigger fatter fish that cannot catch a lure being pulled at a reasonable speed have been waiting for us to pass through. Funny how a few days changes perspectives. Ron and Zachary are reminescing about surfing down waves at 15.8 knots a few days ago. Hopefully, tomorrow we will be at Minerva.
Shannon Sent from Iridium Mail & Web.