Position: 25 degrees, 57 minutes south; 159 degrees, 56 minutes west 76 nm
We didn’t get very far today. Last night was very windy and bumpy so we sailed quite conservatively. Then early this morning it really started to blow consistently into the 30’s. That’s too much for our stays’l, so we took it down and were going with just the main with three reefs. But, the waves had built rapidly into short, steep uncomfortable little moguls (or big moguls, they were in the 8 foot range). It just got too uncomfortable. It was getting very hard on Charisma, the rigging and the crew, so we hove to (again). Good thing too because it wasn’t long before it was howling. Fortunately we were quite comfortably stopped and just waiting it out.
Around 2PM local NZ time, I untied the helm and started sailing again. The wind is still gusting into the 30’s but the waves have settled a bit and we’re just chunking along at about 3 knots and not exactly in the right direction, but due north. It’s a small moral victory though ’cause at least we’re not just sitting.
Weather wise, it looks like our old friend “the biggest low on the planet” is still influencing our weather. It has thrown off a big front that curves up from its position – something like 600 miles southeast – over us and up through the Cook Islands and over to Tonga. Well over a thousand miles long. Anyway, it’s turned into an occluded front over us, which is when a cold front meets a warm front and they stop to play. Warm and cold air create convection – the air rises and becomes unstable – and there’s the recipe for crappy weather, which is what we have.
We’re hoping that the gribs are right when they show light and variable up north of us day after tomorrow. We just want to get out of this and any change will be welcome.
What this weather also means is that Ann and I are still wearing our long underwear all day and night. It definitely hasn’t warmed up at all yet. Hopefully now that we’re starting to trend north we’ll be getting into warmer weather. Another bath would be nice at this point too.
Ugh. Wishing for you better weather. We are finally having warm weather. Yesterday went for a bike ride and stopped by the Walnut Creek Art and Wine Featival. Then went to a neighbor’s house last night and played Mexican dominos. Fun game…
Ugh is right! Hope the low gives way to the high or vice versa or whatever confluence of weather it takes to keep you headed in the right direction and making progress. Hopefully, it will settle down for you soon. Hope Ann has enough reading material to get through this leg of the journey! Hang in there!
All I have to say is you guys certainly are trying to experience everything serious sailing has to offer. Just like they did in the Age Of Sail. And for all our modern technology (which is certainly making it safer and somewhat easier) you really are getting the authentic, real deal.You could cap the whole adventure off by finding shelter in an island inhabited by head-hunters!
Hove to. Such a gentle little phrase. An eddy in a rushing stream. The eye of a hurricane. Shelter from a storm. Serenity surrounded by violence. And so reflective of an ancient past. I’m glad it gives you a little peace in the storm.
Sailing into a high and a low fighting over turf is like walking into a street gang fight. Keep your heads down, don’t fly gang colors, and maybe you can sneak past without getting noticed.
Sail on, sail on, sailors.
Sorry to hear about the nasty weather! Hang in there…and onto the sweet memories! xxoo J
Proud of you guys for hanging in there. Not sure this is what Ann signed on for in the beginning – but she has proven to be a mighty first mate!! Wishing you fair winds for the rest of your journey. We’re in Bilbao today, Bordeaux tomorrow.