Today's Report
Position:
44°01'S, 76°40'W (Pacific Ocean, 531 nm from Strait of Magellan)
Thanks to favorable winds until about 3 pm today, local time, the new genoa did excellent service for most of the past 24 hours, presenting NBSDIII another 100+ nm day, and bringing boat and crew tantalizingly close to balmier climes.
Just 300 nm to the south, a nasty low is nearing, bringing heavy winds in the mid-40s on large seas. (Saito-san was relieved to hear that did not have to deal with that as he was passing the Gulf of Sorrows (Golfo de Penas) two days ago, an area feared by local fishermen for its fierce and unpredictable weather.)
He is trying to ease off engine use, though had to resort to it as the winds became opposing later in the 24-hour period. During the night, while under sail, he switched on the aux. generator after the hydraulic auto pilot went to standby when the charge level fell. This was the first test of the use of a bank of new batteries that were brought on in Punta Arenas.
Distance in last 24 hours: 107 nm
Distance completed: 17,205 nm
To Yokohama: 11,065 nm (distance remaining: 39.5%)
Heading: 352
Reported boat speed: 6.0 kt (day's average: 4.5 kt)
Weather: Overcast with rain; strong opposing winds, slightly reduced seas
Temperature: 15.0° C
Barometer: 1006 hPa (rising)
Wind (from): Unfavorable 26-28 kt WSW -- expected to change to 19 kt from W in 7 hrs
Waves: 3.0 - 3.5 m
Current (from): varies
Engine rpms: 2,000 (5 hrs) + 2,500 (1 hr)
Generator: 4 hrs
Sails: Genoa, 80 - 90% open
Distance in last 24 hours: 107 nm
Distance completed: 17,205 nm
To Yokohama: 11,065 nm (distance remaining: 39.5%)
Heading: 352
Reported boat speed: 6.0 kt (day's average: 4.5 kt)
Weather: Overcast with rain; strong opposing winds, slightly reduced seas
Temperature: 15.0° C
Barometer: 1006 hPa (rising)
Wind (from): Unfavorable 26-28 kt WSW -- expected to change to 19 kt from W in 7 hrs
Waves: 3.0 - 3.5 m
Current (from): varies
Engine rpms: 2,000 (5 hrs) + 2,500 (1 hr)
Generator: 4 hrs
Sails: Genoa, 80 - 90% open
