Thursday, May 10 = Day 17

20.57 N
144.32 W

Distance travelled: 153 NM, 777 NM to go!

As you can see by our mileage, we had a lot of wind over the last 24 hours. Wind speeds averaged at 25 knots and gusts got up to 30. The seas followed suit and we had pretty rough conditions, high and confused, all over the place. Inside Ka'sala it felt like we were in a barrel going over Niagara Falls (although we were never upside down, we bumped up and down, skewered side to side, rocked, rolled...we just held on.) We also had about one knot of current with us, and we roared along to our destination with a double reefed main, and 1/3 of the jib out. Despite the conditions, we were both able to sleep in our off watches and even watch a movie! Either we are getting blase' or used to it! (Seasoned, hardened sailors, har har!)

I was concerned these conditions would persist for a few days, but by late morning today seas and winds subsided. We are now riding along, fairly smoothly, full sails and 15 knots of wind and still averaging 6 knots! Long may it continue!

We were quite intrigued to see a low developing southeast of us when consulting the weather fax. Based on the long range forecast, it should not effect us, but it certainly got our attention.

Last night it was especially dark. The moon didn't rise until almost morning and I thought the starlight would be bright without any illumination, so far from land. However, even though we could see many stars, they were not "twinkling", nor did there seem to be a lot of starlight. Yet I have been on night watch in the past, in similar conditions, and the starlight was so bright I could almost read by it. Doug thinks there must be a high level thick haze blocking it out.

Despite the difficult conditions, all is well aboard Ka'sala. This time next week, I hope to be sitting on the veranda of the Hawaii Yacht Club, sipping something cold, after having the most incredible hot water shower, catching up with family, friends and news on the internet. What a lovely thought! Oh, and savouring a delicious meal on a plate (instead of a bowl), on a table, with fussy little bits of this and that I can take my time to consume with a knife and fork. And not have it fly off my knees! And a glass or two of wine - of course!

----------
radio email processed by SailMail
for information see: http://www.sailmail.com