Sure enough, the forecast was right. The wind backed off and did not really return – most of the time we saw 6-8kts, which is only marginally enough to push the boat when there are also waves around.
The wind seemed to run in cycles – a couple of hours of 4-6kts, and the a couple of hours of 8-10. During the higher wind periods, we either flew the spinnaker or a pole-out jib (no main, since the sailcloth is too heavy for such light wind).
And during the lighter wind periods, we ran the engine (slowly, to conserve fuel). While we don’t like the drone of the diesel, it does fully charge the batteries. We don’t have to worry about power while our watermaker tops off the tanks. And last but definitely not least, the waste heat from the engine drives our hot water heater – which means showers for the crew!
Day Seven: 119nm
Position: 27 47’N 137 17’W
