Day 11                  Smooth Sailing and Salted Fish

We came to accept the fact that we'd need to zig zag for the next 800 miles. Then, like a miracle, the confused seas flattened out and a smooth, consistent wind flowed our of the south. All day and night we've been beam reaching due West doing an easy 5 knots. This is what we'd dreamed trade wind sailing would be like. Sweet!

To celebrate we soaked the salted dorado in fresh water for several hours. Then we cooked it up with plenty of potatoes, onions, garlic and a diced tomatoes in the pressure cooker. It was rich, salty and delicious.

With full stomachs we both fell asleep sailing on the gentle, regular seas and slept like rocks through to the morning, except of course for getting up to take in and let out reefs a few times.

Miles today:        125

Day 12               Half Way

In the morning the wind changed to the south and we were able to sail straight to 270* West. All through the day and night we kept the course while passing under dark clouds that were threatening with rain.

By the end of the day we reached half way. From now on the count down of miles and days starts.

1500 miles to Hiva Oa

Miles today: 135

Day 13                Rainy Day

More of the same, squalls all over the place. Soup with fresh whole wheat bread for dinner.

Miles left:            1370

Miles today:        128