The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is the area near the equator where the weather systems of the northern and southern hemispheres meet. This interaction generally causes light wind, confused seas, and lots of thunderstorm activity. The ITCZ circles the globe, and its width varies from several hundred miles to just a few miles, depending on the local weather.

We seem to have been quite lucky with our timing and location of crossing of the ITCZ. The strong winds of the second T-pecker compressed the width from the north, so we only faced 15-20 miles of crossing. And after watching what seemed like a highlight reel of lightning flickering in the distance a day before, we had no lightning at all. There’s no line on the chart to denote when you’ve made it through, but it seems like we have.

We’re now continuing southeastward in what are forecast to be steady south to southwest winds for the next several days. The bright blue skies have been replaced by low gray clouds, and a flock of brown boobies has taken up residence on the bow pulpit after resisting all efforts to dislodge them.

All’s well onboard.

Day Six: 141nm
8 09.6N 94 50.0W