We are now 2353 miles from our destination, having sailed 108 miles in the past 24 hours. As predicted, tne wind has veered enough to let us ease the sheets a bit. With 15 knot winds, we are now averaging about six knots and are not pounding into the waves as often. Lighter winds, in the ten knot range, are predicted for tomorrow. If that happens, we will still be able to make good time, if the wind continues to veer.
The AIS receiver is a godsend. The range out here is at least 30 miles and every day we see half a dozen ships. None has come closer than four miles, but knowing what their speed and direction is has provided peace of mind. Night before last we did encounter a sizable fishing vessel that was not transmitting AIS. It was brilliantly lit up and we could see it from many miles off, but its running lights, if it had them lit, were simply overpowered by all the other lights, so that we were unable to determine what direction it was going. We measured its bearing with a hand compass many times and came to the conclusion that we were on a collision course. We then altered our course 30 degrees to leeward and only then did the bearing change. We concluded that the vessel was either moving slowly or not at all.
Today is beautiful and sunny. We are cracking along on the starboard tack, over brilliant blue seas, heeled 15 degrees with the leeward rail occasionally awash, making six knots.
Our current location, at 1800 UTC, is 21 58.808 N, 115 45.327 W
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Thanks for the frequent updates Dad, we are following your every move.
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