At about 2300 last night we made it out of the Torres Strait, rocketing past the final sluice at 10 knots with a fair current. We were lucky to have caught a steady current that helped pull us through, meaning we avoided having to anchor for the night. This morning as the hot sun shone down on us we were able to shut down the engine, set sails and head west enjoying the peaceful sounds of the waves breaking against the hull.
After breakfast, the rigging team (Abbey, John-Boy, Dustin and Annie) worked at sending the refurbished footrope aloft, reattaching it and breaking down the temporary rope. On deck, crew members started their day by washing their laundry and airing out their mattresses, while Anders gave his sea chest a paint job. The main deck awning was sent back up after being taken down for the evening and the helm awning was rigged to provide shade to the crew member on helm. The inside of the scuttle (the hatch leading down to the salon, on the starboard side where we keep safety gear such as life jackets and the deck pump) was cleaned and is receiving a coat of fresh paint. Lovely day of sailing and working onboard today; crew members’ excitement to reach Bali is gaining now that we have reached the halfway mark!
From: Vanuatu
Towards: Bali
Date: Friday November 9, 2018
Noon Position: 10°34.5′ S – 140°34.3′ E
Course + Speed: W + 7.8 kts
Wind direction + Force: ESE + 4
Swell Height + Direction: 1m + SE
Weather: Hot, sunny
Day’s Run: 182 nm
Passage Log: 187.8 nm
Distance to Port: 1530 nm
Voyage: 12138.9 nm
Sails Set: All square sails, main topmast stays’l