Squalls! The pleasant sailing conditions evaporated overnight as a series of squalls rolled through, starting just after dark. At night, the first sign of these short-lived disturbances is a giant black hole where the moon and stars used to be – the mass of clouds blocks all light. When the squall arrives, it’s usually accompanied by an extra 10 knots of wind and a 20 degree or so shift in wind direction.
The best thing that can be said of last night’s set of squalls is that the shift in wind direction at least helped us turn a bit more east.
We’re not sure if the current sea conditions are leftover from the squalls or are generated by the remnants of a low pressure system, but today’s ride is very wet and rolly. Madrone nearly always has water on deck, and the larger waves also soak the cockpit.
But, we are still making good progress north and should arrive at the southern edge of a high pressure system in a couple of days.
Day two: 148nm
Position: 26 59’N 159 59’W
