Tasman Crossing: Day 3

27. Apr. 2016
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Passages
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Author: Pete

Location: 31°49.992S, 167°43.025E

Day 3 at sea.

Wind continued to be steady today but swung gradually aft. We’ve been running wing-wing (sails pointed out on either side of the mast to catch the most wind when sailing down wind) for the last twelve hours. It’s a little fussy as the sails can backfill as we roll in the waves, but the wind is too strong for our spinnaker. Dodged a few squalls throughout the day, but couldn’t out run them all. The decks need a good rinse to get the salt off anyway. We’re used to running out on deck with shampoo and soap when that happens to catch a free shower, but it’s still too cold (cool) for that nonsense.

Running almost straight downwind and going with the wave trains leads to some fantastic surfing sessions. With just the right conditions Tayrona catches a wave and rides it for a minute or two at nine knots. Steeper waves drive us up to eleven knots, but they’re short lived. The long rides are incredible. You can really feel the boat break away from the surface, sucking air under the keels in a low rumble. The whole boat vibrates slightly. It’s Tayrona purring away. Tossed the ‘fish’ back in the water for some extra power too.

Had a brief respite from the surfing frenzy for dinner. Winds and seas moderated for a few hours and we were treated to a brilliant sunset over the clouds at the edge of the earth.

It’s dark now and the wind has filled back in. Full cloud cover came in and made an inky mess of the horizon. Almost feels cozy; a bubble of dark around the boat. Still, I’m glad to have the radar aboard to see beyond the gloom when it’s necessary to peek out of the fort.

Tasman Crossing: Day 2

26. Apr. 2016
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New Zealand, Passages
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Author: Pete

Location: 32°50.157S, 170°08.380E

Day 2 at sea.

Fresh winds and building seas today. We saw peaks of twenty-five knots and three meter waves through most of the day. Makes for speedy sailing; our fastest wave surf was twelve knots. Very exciting!

Trying to get our bodies used to the constant motion again. We’re taking waves abeam, which jostles the boat around, slewing us this way and that. It’s not a pretty motion. It is remarkable how little Tayrona seems to notice the tumult.

An occasional albatross wings by, but no boats on the horizon. It’s just us chickens out here. More stars and bright moon tonight. A clear night sky does wonders for one’s constitution at sea. More to come.

Tasman Crossing: Day 1

25. Apr. 2016
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New Zealand, Passages
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Author: Pete

Location: 34°03.103S, 172°57.360E

Day 1 at sea.

Well it’s pretty darn nice to be back in open water. Hauled anchor, perhaps for the last time in the Bay of Islands before daybreak and motored out to sea as the sun rose. Winds didn’t fill in until the afternoon, but we’ve been making six knots on a beam reach.

Watched the sun set and caught the last glimpse of New Zealand as North Cape fell hazy and sank away. Albatross and gulls still around; they don’t seem concerned with being so far from land. It takes a while on a creaking, lurching boat to have their fortitude. Enchiladas help a lot with that though.

We’re estimating it’ll take ten days to cover the 1200 miles to Brisbane, and it’d be just peachy if they’re all like this. The sky is mostly cloudless and the moon is lighting up the sea. I’m on my favorite graveyard watch. I love the peace of the night time. I’ll keep this short. Have to keep a good look out for the big boats running in these waters. Eek. All is well aboard.