[password] cloud&sun
[position] 1 59S 170 12E
[status] We picked up some nice wind during the day yesterday and it was from a favorable direction and we were able to sail all day. As squalls started to pop up, we reduced our sail plan to a very conservative rig (2 reefs in the main and staysail). It was killing us to have all of the nice wind around that we couldn?t take advantage of. As it turned out, the squalls never delivered a big punch (even though they looked impressive on the radar). The wind gradually died during the day and bit by bit, our speed bled away until we were like a big cork, just bobbing around. After our alarming experience getting the engine in gear yesterday, we were reluctant to turn it back on. But, we held our breath and Ken gave it a whirl. The transmission engaged, but with a lot of vibration. We found that the vibration was manageable if we ran the engine at low rpms. We?ve been inching along ever since. We have to run up the rpms every hour to blow out the carbon, and that is a teeth rattling experience. But, at least we are able to motor in the light conditions. We?ve been in contact with the excellent mechanic we have worked with for many years in NZ and he is helping us sort through options. We?ve also been in contact with a person in Majuro who could provide us with a tow once we get to Majuro if we need it. He had some very helpful ideas for helping us get this fixed. So, we?re much more optimistic about the prospects for getting the transmission sorted once we get to port.
[heading] 38T
[speed] 3.7
[weather] Wind 3 from variable directions. Baro 1008.5. Waves miniscule. Squalls around, but seemed to be defanged.

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