[password] D1nsdale
[status] :position 29 17S 172 53E
We?ve hit the doldrums, glassy sea from horizon all around to the horizon again, and we have a problem. Motor running BUT not necessarily charging the batteries. Regulator is ambivalent about allowing alternator charge through to batteries. Batteries get run down we will be left without radio, any communications or navigation, bobbing around alone in the impossible ocean with a rapidly reducing store of room temperature food. Our connection through sat.phone wouldn?t work for hours last night because inadequate power. Without being alarmist, flat batteries would be a genuine emergency. Currently charging OK and my convoluted workaround has got it going every time so far, although took an hour and 4 attempts last night. We also have solar and can harvest some power during the daytime at least, although not enough. Decision time - do we divert to Norfolk Island for repair, which is most of 2 days away and risk (certainty) of running into impending big weather in that direction, or do we continue and run to NewCal on most direct possible route? NewCal is twice as far...4 days. Crew meeting for decision in 2 hours at 0800 (ie when Mike is due to wake up).

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