Status- Our position is 22 37 S, 179 54 E, speed over ground 7 kts, sailing. Heading 002, Wind is 20-25 kts from the E. Sea state- waves 2 mtrs with the swell out of the E.
Day 6 - I probably need to explain the reporting method I'm using . The status and date are of the day I do the report . I am reporting on the previous 24hrs on the boat. I kept looking at what I posted and it seemed that it was a little confusing. Hope that helps.
I last reported that we were within 24 hours of going into Minerva Reef. Just after I sent that, Captain and crew, had a meeting and it was decided it would not make good sense to try to get into Minerva. The biggest reason was that we don't know how long our engine will last before we have to shut it down I really didn't want to get half way in the reef passage with winds blowing 35 kts and lose the engine. The next part of our decision was that the winds were going to continue to blow out of the east for the next 3 days and then most likely get calm. So, if we decided to turn and head to Fiji now we would most likely be able to sail the whole way. At 9:15 AM we let several of the other boats know we were turning toward Fiji and that we would see them another day. We are very disappointed to not be able to make it to this very special spot in the South Pacific.
For our new wind angle it set us up for a very fast ride. Wind continued from the east but the waves have also increased in size. I would estimate we had waves in the 5-6 mtr size. Because of all the tossing and turning it has been impossible to cook meals We eat snack food during the day but to tell you the truth neither of us are all that hungry.
When we finally get to Fiji , 9 days at sea, it will be our second longest passage since leaving home, Our longest passage was from Mexico to French Polynesia. It will also be the first time since we started sailing 2 yrs ago that we have gone 4 straight dayswith out using the engine. Up until this time the best we had ever done was 2 days in a row. So there you have it. All is well on board and we are looking forward to the warm beaches of Fiji. Bula!
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