position: 14°12.4S 128°17.5W – COG 262°, SOG 7.4 knots
Yesterday, Sunday, it felt, brought us our first real taste of tropical sailing — beam reach in a steady tradewind breeze, full sun, and the kind of heat that makes the deck plates too hot to walk barefoot. Perfect conditions for our Sunday at Sea tradition — and this time, we marked it in proper style: dresses, cold beer, and smiles all around. Even Bob joined in as the crew showed up in their Sunday best.
On Whit Monday, we settled into a smooth tropical watch rhythm. With the canvas trimmed and the Tecla tracking beautifully, we had time to relax and enjoy the passage. Idle deck talk led to a full-on body-measuring session (yes, arms really are as long as your height) — with half the watch lying flat on the deck for “scientific” purposes.
Bob helmed like he was cruising a lowrider, hand draped casually over the wheel, eyes on the sky. “They see me rollin’” was sung by most who saw him, and Michael captured the scene — the chillest helmsman on the Pacific. And picture of the day!
We’re holding a portside tack, waiting to gybe north again. The breeze still carries a bit of south, so we’re riding the lift as long as it serves us. Forecast models have been unreliable, so we’re going by feel rather then GRIBs. Possibly a gybe around 06:00 UTC, or latest midday.
A few squalls are creeping in from the southeast, bringing a light sprinkle — not enough to reef or don foulies, but maybe a sign the breeze will back or freshen.
Only 600 miles to go until Hiva Oa. After more than 4,500 nautical miles, it’s strange to feel how close we’re getting. Of course, this is what the journey is all about. But this crossing has felt like a string of changes and catching up. We’ve been at sea for over a month, living each day as it came. And now the end is finally, unmistakably approaching. We’re even hitting 8 knots now and then — and that makes land feel even closer.
All is well on board, Jet
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