What a difference a day makes. Yesterday afternoon and evening was easily the most difficult of the entire trip so far. By late afternoon, the wind built to a steady 20kts. A series of squalls began to rumble through after dark, each one announcing itself with 25 kts and higher gusts. The squall wind comes from a different angle than the baseline wind, so we were soon treated to 6-10′ short period waves coming from multiple directions. A wet, rolly, uncomfortable ride.

The best thing that can be said about the experience is that it was good sail handling practice. We went rolled an unrolled the jib as the wind gusted and abated. We added a second reef to the first in the main, and the deepened it to a third reef. At the peak of the wind, we doused the jib completely and rolled out the staysail. We are very happy to be able to do all that sail handling from the safety of the cockpit.

The wind became light after 4am, and actually dropped to zero for a few minutes. When it returned, it was a comfortable 12-15 kts from a steady direction. Today, the challenges of last night seem far away – we have bright sunny skies, and Madrone is easing along at 4-5kts in 8-9 kts of breeze. Seas are only 2-4′, and the water sparkles blue in the sun.

We are making water, the sun is recharging our (both Madrone’s and her crew’s) batteries, and all is well today.

Day four: 131nm
Position: 31 13’N 158 32’W