Pacific Crossing Day 6 and 7

As I write I'm sitting on the aft lazerette behind the wheel trying to maintain our course of 255 degrees. Hermione, the Hydrovane steering mechanism, is struggling to keep Traveler's head down wind. We're on a beam reach with the wind coming over the starboard side and the swell just forward of the beam. We've been in a heavy cloud cover most of this trip and today is no exception. Off to the west I see the golden rays of the building sunset. Will we see the green flash tonight?

Do we look a little stressed?

Last night the wind dropped again, leaving us crashing about, the sails flopping awkwardly against the rigging. We hate to see this, especially with the new sails we spent a fortune on (No disrespect Jim Kitchen, you did a wonderful job and we love our new canvas.) The wind died, sail changes were made to no good effect, We bounced, we jostled, the crew had disagreements, a testy atmosphere ensued. Bad moods, ill feelings. Damn this choppy sea. Why can't we get old Traveler rigged so that she sails quietly and smooth?

Finally the solution, the last resort, was taken. Turn on the engine and just power through this muck. The upside, of course, is charged batteries and the ability to make another 30 gallons of water.

By morning, we all grumped around. Connie recommended that we fly the genniker, a lightweight nylon foresail, kinda like a spinnaker. While dousing the main the outhaul line parted, another victim of chafe. Finally getting the myriad of lines figured out for the sail and the sock, we hoisted the yellow and green monstrosity. She filled and looked elegant. All crew assembled, everyone talked, made nice, forgave transgressions and we entered a new day happy in the building light.

Scott Tobiason enjoyed refitting the outhaul. We all hauled down the two jib halyards and inspected them for chafe. Looks good! Our plan is to pull down the genoa every other day to inspect the halyard for chafe, and to change the place on the line where it goes around the sheeve by adding length to the hoist. Did you understand that concept? Don't worry if you didn't.

It's now day 7 and we covered 125 miles noon to noon. Our best run was Day 6 when we ran 149 miles in 24 hours.

It is a wonderful sunset. Scott Tobiason is below cooking up fresh Dorado fish tacos with mango sauce. Connie is playing the accordion, balancing herself on the settee as the waves bash us back and forth. The stove is swinging madly and Scott stands, spatula in hand, with legs spread apart to keep his balance. And the best part is that he served us all a glass of red wine which I'm partaking of here at the helm. Oops, I've let her creep up to 275 degrees and Traveler is getting all excited trying to point for Alaska. Whoa there girl! Get on down to your heading.

Scott and Connie and Scott

Note: You can send me text only email here at wdg9526@sailmail.com.
Eric, got your text and will be in communication.

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