Relative to the equator, our latitude in the Southern Hemisphere is about equivalent to the location of Hawaii. This puts Madrone squarely in the trade wind belt now – and the trade winds are known for their consistency.
So, of course we find ourselves in flat calm, no wind conditions. Some strange ridge has formed to the south, which has pushed high pressure abnormally far north and west, which has turned off the trades. There’s an occasional gust to 5 or 6 knots, enough to ripple the water surface, and then it’s back to 2 knots or so of “breeze”.
We normally dislike running the engine. But after 8 straight days of upwind sailing into and across the trades, it’s actually a pleasant change. The seas have flattened out, Madrone is not heeling at 10 to 20 degrees, we can move around the boat without holding on (as much).
The wind is forecast to fill in about 12 hours from now, so until then we’re enjoying the peaceful conditions and ignoring the thrum of the diesel in the background.
Day Nine: 132nm
17 29.3S 102 27.3W
