Long day of slow motoring waiting for the winds to wake up and read the same forecast we do. I think the winds stayed at the party too late and got a late start. Nice lazy day, the seas were down, overcast but the drone of the port engine was all the noises. No wind, no crashing over waves, no splashing on water everywhere. Maybe we should just get a trawler and motor everywhere when there is no wind. I’d bet the forecasts for that would be off as well. 🙂

Wind was supposed to switch to Northwest when it built back up around noon. So being eager to sail, we raised the main sail around 11 with high hopes. The wind started building around 2pm, but from NorthEAST exactly where we are heading. Ugh, we can sail due east or northwest, we sample a little of both and reread the forecast.

A definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results. At least I accept my senility and hopeful feeling that something will change.

Now that wind has built from the north we must sail over the wind waves that also built. A very bumpy ride to say the least, and of course it’s now pitch dark outside and I’m eagerly awaiting the moonrise to hopefully see approaching squalls before the radar alarm goes off.

Challenge accepted! Guess we could have stayed on land,but that comes with it’s own challenges too. With any luck, the winds will come from a little more west and let us have guessed right heading notheast with double reefed sails. If not we will end up,in French Polynesia or simply accept the challenge and change the sails to the other side of the boat.

Morning raised more canvas and back to trucking along, waves started to be very annoying. As the morning kept going the swell became more organized and the sailing motion wasn’t bad. Or we we were getting desensitized. The seas were not as jagged with the period between waves getting a bit longer. So the forecast promised the sun to show its self. Looked like the sun wanted to, but it had to break through all the rain threatening clouds.

Then one dark cloud was all around, you could feel the cold wind get colder as it got closer. Wasn’t bringing too much extra wind, just left the sails up. Rolled up a little head sail, took the boat through the car wash. On the other side of the car wash the sun came out, but Mr wind disappeared. Waited patiently for about an hour, listening to the sails flap in any minuscule puff, or slam when the swell passed under the boat before cranking and engine.

Took the sails down, and finally a little breeze could be felt. Hmmmm. Blue skies maybe 8knots of wind. Let’s see if the spinnaker will fly, and fly it does. Ran our biggest sail for the rest of the day, till dark. Don’t like the darkness and not being able to see the squalls even with the bright moon. So, we took the sail down.

Motored all night, wind should build back up by lunch time and then be right on the nose. Sailing into the wind, that should complete all points of sail on this trip. Also means the next weather system will cross our path as we arrive Minerva.

With a nice spinnaker run, a nice butter chicken was prepared for dinner. Were even able to hear French Polynesia on the SSB and chat with some friends still there.

A good day, slow but good. Was able to shed a few layers of clothes for a few hours while the sun was shining. More than 1/2 way now, with 380 or so miles to go. Motoring kills our average speed. 😅