2007-06-13

We're getting to see the ocean in ALL it's moods it seems, and getting to
use ALL of our equipment on this trip. Today the wind slowed all morning
until it was flat calm by early afternoon. We dropped all sail, opened up
the float hulls, and bailed out the 10 liters or so that had leaked in thru
the hatch gaskets during the last few days. Then took showers, did some
gear maintenance, and I went up the mast to replace the staysail halyard
with a new shackle. Watched a big motor yacht pass a couple miles west of
us, headed north. With no wind for the wind generator, and still not enough
angle on the sun to get full use from the solar panels, I ran the little gas
generator for about 45 minutes to charge batteries while I tried out the new
water maker. It desalinates about 1.5 liters an hour, drawing 4 amps of
power, and the charger will put out 10 amps, so we about broke even on
electricity use making 3 liters. After talking to the Seafarers net, about
5:00 PM I went for a sleep while Karen got the boat moving under slow motor.
I woke about 7:00 to hear her getting sails set, and then she shut down the
motor, and told me to sleep some more. We had a light sailing breeze. Woke
again at 9:00 to hear the boat charging along, and then the hiss of rain on
the cabin. I got up and had Karen open the plugs for the rain collection,
and after rinsing the salt off, caught 16 liters of fresh water, with NO
electricity used. That brings the tank back almost full, so not likely to
have to run the maker again before we get to SavuSavu. Wind is quite
variable in and out of these squalls. and it's about the end of Karen's
watch, so I'll get this sent and take over the helm. about 600 miles to
Fiji, and all well. Ted