Day 4 – 500 Miles Down – 2,500 to Go! – 10-24-24
With the wind and seas moderating, we had a nice night’s sail with wind in the mid to high teens. The best part was the sea state continuing to settle down allowing things to be much more comfortable on board with less rocking and bouncing, so we all had a peaceful night's sleep.
During the day the wind continued to drop and the sea state became nearly flat. We cruised along with about 12 knots of wind and the boat sailing at 7 to 8 knots. We were able to take out the 2nd reef in the main and now have a full main and jib for the first time since we left Nuku Hiva. Patricia Ann really likes light air conditions. At times we had 9 knots of wind while still sailing at nearly 7 knots.
With the calm seas we were able to start reading books again, and even did some laundry. It was the first day we did not have a single wave land on the deck so it made drying clothes possible.
Luke continued to outdo himself and made yet another delicious dinner, lentil curry soup. The wind continued to get lighter, and things were so smooth we decided to watch a movie in the cockpit. This was a first for me at sea. Never had we had it calm enough to see a movie.
During the moving the wind dropped to 5 knots or so, taking our boat speed down to 3 or 4 knots. Really slow. Normally I would run the engine, but with it so peaceful out we decided to just sail slowing and enjoy the calm waters with the sound of a roaring engine. It is almost like being at anchor right now!
We crossed the 500 mile mark tonight. Which is a lot. But there still is a LONG way to go! It seems hard to believe that this ocean could be so big.
We only covered 140 miles today. With the lighter winds and a 1.5 knot current against we are not able to make the same number of miles that we have been. Tomorrow will be even fewer miles with the winds so light. But we are still making our way towards home!
