At about 2200 last night the Picton Castle broke though and crossed The Line, the Equator, into the northern hemisphere. Back in the north for the first time since approaching the Galapagos so many months ago. Yesterday was bright and shiny. But today is overcast and squally. Still making good time though. We are about 115 nautical miles off the coast of Brazil following the 100 fathom curve steering NWly for best favourable current giving us a boost. The squalls all in a day’s (or night’s) work for the crew of a windjammer. Winds look fresh and fair for the foreseeable future.
Date: April 19, 2019
From: St Helena Island, South Atlantic Ocean
Towards: Grenada, West Indies
Noon position: 00°-40′ North Latitude / 045°-04′ West Longitude
Course and speed: NW at 6-7 knots under all plain sail
Wind force and direction: force 4 NEly winds, frequent rain squalls
Seas/swell: moderate NEly seas of 1-2 metre, a bit confused at times
Barometer: 1016 and steady
Sky: overcast, rainy, squally, warm
Water temperature: 27.8C – 83F
Distance made good in 24 hours: 149 nautical miles
Passage log: 2,590 nautical miles
Voyage log: 24,392 nautical miles
Distance to next port: 1,201 nautical miles as the squalls drive us