November 18th

Yesterdays sail was the best day we have had. The wind was 15kts and our speed was 8kts. The swell was small and the wind waves were perfect ( non entering the cockpit ). The days before we had many waves getting us wet from the port side of the boat. Timing is everything! Last night about mid night our wind started to die and by this morning we had to start the motor. We need to keep our speed up to 6 kts so we can make it into Opua before the next low is fore casted to hit ( next Friday night). This low will bring us winds not in our favor and some rain. This is the challenge and that is why sailing is so much fun, really. Today the seas are calm and the swell is small. We are less than six hundred miles from Opua, about half way. As I write we are starting to get some wind and we have all the sails up and Mike just shut down the motor. Hopefully we can keep up the 6 kts without the motor. Sailing without the motor is so peaceful and very relaxing. Yesterday we ate a little more than the days before but we still don't have our appetites. The crossing diet is in full swing. Position S 25 47.014 E 174 04.214.