The night started out well but then it was our turn for squalls.
0230: Armon was on watch when a squall hit taking him a bit by surprise. Earlier he was getting frustrated trying to keep the sails full with the winds dying out at less than 5 knots. So he decided to let out a bit more of the genoa. You should be aware that at night we try to sail conservatively - one reef in the main and and genoa rolled in to at least 2/3rds. All of a sudden, and out of nowhere this squally hit Confidence from the stern with winds around 20-25 knots. One snap too many on the boom was one snap too many for the reefing line. Armon went up on the house to release the cringle (hook for the first reef point) just as the rains came and filled the bottom part of the sail that had been wrapped up in the reef. In no time at all the bottom of the sail was full of water and just as Armon got the cringle released the water poured out down his neck and came out at his ankles. By this time David is up and they continue to bring down the main. Genoa is furled in as the boys retreat back to the cockpit huddling in the rain and absorbing their adrenalin rush.
Armon has been wishing for a fresh water rain shower for days. Be careful what you wish you for!
David will replace the first reefing line with the third reefing line when things settle down. Till then we will sail with the stay sail. Under these conditions Confidence holds a nice steady course
0600 Position: 08* 8’N 112* 54’ W
Course is 220 Seas 4.5 feet Speed slows to 3.5 knots
Winds 7-9 from the East
1200 Noon Position: 8* 4’N 114* 12’W
Seas still pretty lumpy at 6-8 feet.
Course is altered to 270 in order to keep the sails full. When you are travelling such a long distance a change in course for a short period of time to avoid squalls or obtain a better point of sail has very little effect in the overall picture.
Distance Travelled in 24 hours: 78 nm
Total Distance Travelled to Date: 1040 nm
A squall approaches:
But goes behind us as many of them did!
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