THE SAILING JOURNEY CONTINUES ON MY MAP IN BLUE FOR JEFF & SAILORS RUN
Total miles sailed so far =14,559 NM.
Miles sailed last three days=441NM.
Miles left to go to East Cape Tasmania=1,320 NM.
Top speed so far=14.1kts.
THE REST OF THE STORY:
DAY-106.
24hr.Run=142 NM. Pos.45*41’S. Long.108*59’E. Weather=Wind=15-35kts.WSW. Seas=12-18ft. WSW. Bar=1012mb Cabin Temp=53*-60*.
Today was water the batteries day, something I must do every two months, and they are in the aft stateroom, our garage so to speak, with lots of things stored in there, not to mention all the black plastic bags full of plastic containers and wrappers that are piling up, as the voyage continues.
I also put in place the third storm board to eliminate the inboard waterfall. I had been reluctant to do this as it makes opening the hatch much more difficult, not to mention climbing in and out.
It’s Valentine’s Day and I’m celebrating with an extra ration of chocolate bar, and the beautiful card that Debbie had stashed aboard for this special time, as she knows Valentine’s day was always my favorite day, as it was the one holiday that I felt like I could afford.
DAY-107.
24hr.Run=152NM. Pos.Lat.45*40’S. Long.112*30’E. Weather=Wind=WNW 15-20kts.Seas=8-12ft.WNW. Bar=1001mb. Cabin temp=56*-62*.
Today is nice sailing with winds down and “Patches” up. I pulled everything out of the back locker to gain access to the autopilot ram so I could set it at the center steering position for more ohm readings and to get model and serial # off unit. Now I wait to hear from the manufacture.
This afternoon the sun is out as we skirt along the southern inner edge of the high hoping to stay out of the calm center. I’m getting great weather faxes out of Australia, so now there will be fewer surprises, weather wise.
There is a cold front that will hit tomorrow early and bring gale force winds forty knots or better.
Day-108.
24hr.Run=147 NM. Pos. Lat. 46*08’S. Long.115*55’E. Weather=Wind=20-40ktsWNW. Seas=15-18ft. Bar=1006mb
AT THERE THIRD CAPE GOING FROM INDIAN OCEAN TO SOUTHERN OCEAN, AUSTRALIA
Today is a very special day as we sail along in yet another gale, and what makes it so, is we will at last have Cape Leeuwin abeam, our Third Cape of the Five.
Debbie and I would like to put a special shout out to all of our Aussie friends up there in Australia. As we met many wonderful Aussies when we cruised there in 2004-2005, and have met many others in anchorages all over the world. You have a great country Mates!
It’s amazing to think that here we are sailing under the folks from down under.
The next and last two capes are not so far away now, there is east cape Tasmania just 1400 NM. and West Cape New Zealand just about 850 NM. beyond that.
These last two capes are very challenging as the weather in that area is notoriously difficult and once again you are down near the screaming 50* latitude, off of New Zealand to clear that one.
I must say a bit of good luck would go a long way’s towards easing the challenges that lay ahead for Sailors Run and crew. You can trust, I’m already watching the weather around those two capes.
“Scared Skinny” the Jefe’.