SHIPS LOG POST #2

Day 3 - October 6th, 2009

0745

Motoring all night in calm seas. Waning moon is big and bright as it sets in the west. Jon wakes up for the 8am-Noon watch and says he's had it with the motor. So we put up the colorful drifter once again.

The winds are light, but enough to keep the drifter filled.

1000

We are 40 miles off the coast and crossing what would be the Columbia River and the WA-OR border if it could extend out below the sea. The drifter is still out, but the day is calm enough for Jack to work out on the deck.

1145

Course: 160 degrees. Speed: 5.3 knots

Latitude/Longitude: 46deg. 07 min. N 125deg. 12 min. W

Warm showers on the back deck for the entire crew, despite the freighter some miles to our stern heading south as well. Showers boost morale and cleanliness.

above: Blue skies, high cumulus and the drifter.

below: Seaman Seifert maintains his rigorous fitness schedule inspired by P90X 2: Offshore Supplement.

1350

Course: 166 degrees Speed: 5.0 knots

Lat/Lon: 45deg. 55min. N, 125deg. 13min. W

1700

Winds build throughout the day to 10-15 knots. Swell increases to 3-4 feet. At 5:15 the crew brings down the drifter in favor of the more conservative combo of a double reefed main and the smaller solant jib for night sailing. Low cumulous and a clear sky remain through the sunset.

1800

Premade Thai Chicken Curry dinner ala Jack. Yum!

Throughout the night, the weather remains relatively steady, with wind and swell out of the north. We set course at 190 degrees. In the night we spend 4 hours with a course of 120 and then back to the original 190. This variation maintains our comfortable distance offshore of appx. 40-50 miles.

below: Akimbo crew members enjoy some time on deck.

Day 4 - October 7th, 2009

By the morning, wind and sea have increased. Our course change to 150 degrees aims us right into Humboldt Bay and puts us more down wind. We bring the main down in favor of running the solant jib and the genoa wing and wing. "Just an experiment." says Jon. Its an experiment that seems worthwhile. 8.0 knots speed over ground at 1045 am.

1200

Increasing wind and seas, we take down the solant jib in favor of the genoa alone. This allows for more room in error of steering in relation to the wind. Port tack. Boat speed maintains a respectable 6-7 knots. Skies overcast. Seas with us, thank goodness. Swell more easterly now. Off the coast of Oregon, we estimate that we'll arrive in Humboldt Bay in a day and a half.

Day 4 Photos:

Elena at the helm.

Tyler and Elena from the bow.

From the bow #2.

Jon at the bow running wing and wing. Solant jib on the left, Genoa on the right. Main tucked away.

1815

Premade INDIAN Curry dinner tonight ala Jack again! Swell continues behind us. We are approximately 40 miles offshore. Overcast. Just a few small blue sky patches as the sun goes down. James Brown music on deck before nightfall. We remain with the genoa flying solo for the night. 135 degree heading now.