Time: 0000 Zulu Tues 9/11 (noon Fiji time)
Position: 19-deg 31-min S 178-deg 48-min W
Wind: ESE 18-20 Seas: SE 8-9-ft
Avg. Course: 262-deg T
Avg. Speed: 5.5-knots
Rig: storm jib, triple-reefed mains'l
24-hr distance noon to noon: 131-nm
Yesterday afternoon sailing was gorgeous. We took the drifter down at 1600, hoisted the 80% and continued racing along. After a delicious fresh alfalfa and carrot salad with some chicken pesto and pine nuts, we dropped the main to its double reef since winds were forecast to pipe up a wee bit. We screamed along all through Shawn's night watch and when Chris came on deck, we brought the main down again to its 3rd reef. Still we flew. a few hours later Chris dropped the main completely, but still we needed less sail area. At 0400 he called Shawn up on deck to drop the 80%. We bobbed along under bare poles at 2-knots while we got the storm jib ready. First up went the triple-reefed mains'l and the next while was spent unwinding some frustrating lazy jack issues. Rain started as a drizzle and continued to increase. Finally, as the sun started to light our wet overcast world, we raised the storm jib. 25-knot winds with gusts up to 30 and 9-ft seas. Not in the forecast, but Tao did excellent. As the morning continued, the winds abated to more normal 15-20, the sun even came out to showcase the hulking cloud formations around. Weather download showed that the trough has deepened and is basically in our path. Weather radio conversation confirmed, no avoiding, just be ready for squalls and rain. So we wait, basking in the sun and beautiful sailing conditions for the next weather download, and look forward to being on the other side.
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