[p]pjr4728
[s]
pos: 01 55.763n 084 18.321w
sp: 5.0
h: 267m
w: 7-9kn SSW, cloud 6/8, SS 0.5 SW
d: 20/06/20 19.15 GMT-0500
We have now covered around 714nm over ground since starting, though a lot less than this if a direct line was taken!
While wanting to head SW, we probably followed the wind a bit too long and go pushed by strong current too far to the SE. At midnight Thursday we decided against aiming for the 'normal' route to get to the SE Trade Winds which we were generally aiming for (crossing the Equator at about 84W, then passing the Galapagos at around 8S, but hung a right at about 2N and have been maintaining this latitude (ie a westerly heading), broadly, since.
The first few nights (after a lovely first one) were, as expected, fairly bouncy with the SW winds that are now prevailing this late in the crossing season. Lots of rain too, but luckily we enjoyed a break in thunderstorm and lighting activity when leaving the Gulf. Winds were reasonable for speed, though we had nothing over 25kn apparent.
We encountered a few Ecuadorian fishing boats, even as far out as 130nm from their coast. These are just open topped heavy wooden things and as such they don't show up well on radar. We came within a hundred metres of one one night, thankfully lit after a fashion, if only by a cellphone torch! In daylight the next day, one friendly bunch came over for a nosey and a 'chat', of sorts, before helpfully coming along to point out their fishing gear for us to avoid (basically lots of free floating plastic containers strung out over a couple of miles with a very long baited (floating) line trailing off each).
The last couple of days have seen us overcome a few challenges with the currents (which can be fairly strong around here, esp when sailing in light winds), plus the usual technical challenges that always seem to rear their head aboard..But they now seem sorted and we are ghosting along and enjoying some balmy sailing, with what should be, touch wood, the worst over.
We have seen heaps of dolphin pods and their jumping displays and also enjoyed the attentions of a number of hitchikers - 4 currently perched on our pulpit and fighting off anyone else trying to get a look in! Paul has already had a quick first dip when we were becalmed one (sunny) day. OK it was to check for a potential prop wrap (there was none) but he can now vouch that it really is a very deep and the most amazing-blue ocean..stunning!
While our progress has been slow, it's been fairly steady and we expect to pick up daily distances as the passage progresses...The Galapagos now lie about 2-3 days to the WSW, although we shall likely be heading to pass them to the N, well clear of both strong currents and the Ecuador Navy.
That's all for now folks, stay safe and well
Cheers S/V Windchase
PS Just a reminder that sadly we cannot access let alone reply to comments on yit while we are on passage, but really do appreciate them afterwards!
If there is any goss though, do please do feel free to email us at windchase@gmn-usa.com. Because we have very limited data capacity, please ensure any email contains TEXT ONLY please - no logos, photos or videos. Especially no cat videos. And we will reply, just maybe with a slight delay, as we only switch the phone on once a day or so. Please delete any text from a previous reply before sending too - we'll know what you are referring too!
Not sure if the following table of Week 1 stats will come out on yit, but it's an attempt for those of you sticking pins on maps to show where to stick them!
All Locations 1200Z (GMT-5:00)
Day Latitude Longitude DOG 24hrs
Start (1030hrs) 08° 35.5N 079° 01.1W
13/06/20 (1.5hrs) 08° 28.3N 079° 05.1W 9.7 9.7
1 14/06/20 (20.5hrs) 07° 13.1N 079° 30.6W 95.1 85.4
2 15/06/2020 05° 29.6N 080° 18.1W 218.0 122.9
3 16/06/2020 03° 58.0N 080° 12.7W 313.1 95.1
4 17/06/2020 02° 44.1N 080° 14.8W 400.3 87.2
5 18/06/2020 02° 09.0N 081° 20.7W 495.5 95.2
6 19/06/2020 02° 08.4N 082° 46.6W 589.6 94.1
7 20/06/2020 01° 56.4N 084° 16.0W 688.9 99.3
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