25.21N
158.48W
125 nautical miles, only 2215 left to go to Sitka!
We left Hanalei Bay yesterday morning at approximately 7am. Soon as we had cleared the bay we were into moderate trade winds blowing a steady 20 knots from the East. So we bore off and sailed north on a beam reach through the rough seas. As the night progressed, the wind veered, and we were able to sail more comfortably. By this morning, the winds had dropped to 15 knots and the seas also calmed down. We were then able to sail close reaching on our course of 020 True. We hope to continue to be able to make easting, while still progressing northwards over the next few days. There is a low pressure system to the northwest of us bringing strong winds, but we should be able to avoid them if we stay to the east of our track. The Pacific High is well defined to the north east of us and we are hoping to ride north on its clockwise winds.
We keep track of our progress twice a day: at 0300 UTC (which is 5pm Hawaii time) and 1500 UTC (5am local time) to correspond with our check in with the Pacific Seafarer's Net at 0300 UTC. As a result, although I have posted a distance of 125 NM in our first day, it is actually in our first 22 hours - this distance is also miles made good on our track.
I know the last two paragraphs were technical, but I know some of you enjoy that stuff. As far as crew wellness is concerned, we are both happy to finally be on our way. Doug is enjoying the planning and strategizing and I am just working at keeping my anxieties under control! It is beautiful out here! The sky and seas are torquoise blue. It's 30 degrees and the water temperature is 25 degrees. Ka'sala is sailing along beautifully considering the conditions. We have lots of food, water and diesel. We are healthy (well, maybe sore shoulders and a sore back) and we are closing the circle of our sailing dream. Who could ask for anything more?
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