Feb 27

Looks like we got just in time out of Hilo with the tsunami warning in effect. Most likely we would have stood out to sea and ride it out there if we would have been in the harbor. We did not notice anything on the ocean but we did not expect that as at sea effect of tsunamis are most likely undetectable. Glad we did not have to deal with that.

Things are rapidly going South down here. Matter of fact we made 184 Nm the last 24 hours a drop most wall street brokers would not like but we are quite happy with. The wind is a down a bit to the high teens and the seas are coming down slowly as well. The decks are getting less water over but still we have to watch out for spray. It is warm daytime low 25C high 33C. good 600 NM to go to the equator

Feb 26

We are making great headway. Seas are big and the decks are wet. It is warm so we are a bit stuffy inside as we can not leave a hatch open for a moment without getting doused. Leigh got it twice today so we need to get some  cloths washed soon.

We are running between 8-9 Kts thundering through the big swells. The weather is expected to ease soon as this is the trade wind belt and the winds are blowing strong. Another day or so and we are getting loser to the tropical conversion zone with lighter winds.
We did not get any squalls overnight.

We have too much fruit and we are going to toss a bit away as it ripens all at the same time. Papayas anyone? with got 40 or so big ones.

Feb 25

All is well. A bit of a wet ride as we are close hauled and making 7-8 Kts. Leigh got wet twice today as first he got doused inside sitting in the pilot chair under the hatch, And than again when he stepped outside for some fresh air. The trades blowing and we making good progress.

At night we get squalls which slowing us down. In order to play it safe we have to reef and slows us down

Feb 23 at Sea

Cleared customs at 0800 hrs and did a quick run to the local market. made the locals happy as we purchased a substantial amount of Veggies and fruits. Some of the high lights Papayas 6 for a dollar.

Departed at 1330 and set for sea. Motored out to the most Easterly point of the island and turned the engine off around 1800 hrs. Sailed slowly away from the island observing the lava flowing  in to the ocean, glowing in the dark.  

All went well till 0330 this morning as we got hit by a squall. making us scramble to get the sails reefed. Since then nothing but squalls making for slow progress. First to much wind so you need to reef. Than no wind as it is passing and slowly the wind is coming back.

All are doing well but tired

Feb 23

We enjoyed a refreshing stay in Hilo. This place is very quiet and it looks like time is moving very slow here. In some ways it is like going back 50 years in time. As Keith on of our crew members observed, Old folks sitting in front of the store on a bench just like in the old days. However looking a bit closer they are holding a phone or text device in there hands and are texting away.

The only drawback is the security around the port. this makes it very inconvenience to come and go as we need to be escorted in and out by the security people.

We rented a car and got over to Kona on Saturday for a Costco run. This is a long trip as we try to provision for almost two months.  Our new crew Leigh and Roger will be boarding Sunday and Monday Morning.

Feb 10 2200hrs

At the dock in Hilo. Almost hit 2 whales on our way in as we came in at the dark.

All had a good sleep except for laying awake during what was our watch time. Will get used to that soon again.
No other boats with crew here so a bit quiet. Our crew left and we are now getting the boat checked out. Went up the rig and all seems well. The shower pump on SB aft did fail and had to clean the bilges aft out. Is all done now but it is amazing how fast soap suds turn into stinky water when it is this warm.

Cleared in and we are now all set for the next few days. thinking about getting a car for a few days to aid our provisioning.

Feb 10

Only 75 Nm to Go.. All are gazing to the horizon to see the firsts glimpse of land. We have been hearing evidence of civilization as the VHF radio has come to life. Listening to the local AM radio station from Hilo nothing has changed.

Overnight we had a squall coming through and after that the winds disappeared. So we are under engine for the last  few hours. To much seas to try keeping the sails full. Sometimes cheaper to run the engine as a set of sails is very precious these days.

Crew excited about arriving. Looking forward to endless showers and a rest full sleep. Overnight the roll was terrible at times as we douse all the sail to not slap them to piece. The sails are very much stabilizing the boat and without it can get rolly.

We are planning to proceed at once to Radio Bay where we will dock Mediterranean style with the main bow anchor and a few stern lines against the concrete wharf. This way we stay away about 25' and use the dinghy to go back and fort up a vertical ladder, we have to negotiated with our gear and groceries. All part of the adventure.

Look forward playing with water and wash the boat. Need to do a rigging inspection, oil changes and rudder inspection. etc. To much to do, to little time.

Expect to arrive around 2200 hrs local.

Feb 9

With a bone in her teeth, we are flying to Hilo. 25-30 Kts of wind one reef in the main and a full genoa. Seas 12', this is a ride.

Yesterday we encountered a small area with a unbelievable amount of plastic floating around. A very small pocket floating on the surface and also suspended deeper below the surface.  Very strange as we passed it in less than 10 minutes.

At this rate we should arrive Wednesday night. Only 206 Nm to go

Feb 8

Hawaii is steadily getting closer. The winds where down a bit overnight but now are blowing 15 KTS again. A noisy night as we got once in a while a big slam as the waves knock the wind out of the sails.

Got another Mahi Yesterday and Mary reduced it to fillets in no time at all. Normally on these trips the honor to do these things are the skipper but our present crew has been doing a great job of it, so no use getting involved.

At this rate we may make Hilo Thursday night but for sure on Friday.

Feb 7

Great conditions. Winds NE 20 - 25 KTS. Seas 10' water color deep blue. Boat speed 7-8 KTS.
Last night the genset saltwater pump impeller burned out. Got it replaced and things work fine. Great to have spares and tools so we can look after our own problems where ever we are. Finally lost our Sirius radio signal. It works at night sometimes. To far West now. Did our last time change yesterday. Another Mahi for the freezer as well.

Only 516 Nm to Go.

Feb 6

After the calm comes the wind. A day and a half of flat calm very unusual is over. It was a are between the two high pressure system pressing down on the trades creating a no wind zone. Now we are back to a more normal wind pattern.

Overnight we reeved one reef in the main. The winds got up to 30 Kts on the edge of a reef needed so put one in just in case. Winds are now 20 - 25 Kts and we are thundering through the 10' waves. A great ride approaching hull speed and beyond.

It has been a rough night to sleep and most of the crew did have just short naps. To busy holding on and tossed from side to side. Crew all happy though. Counting down the miles. 698 NM to go.

Feb 4

Last night the wind disappeared of all places in the trade wind belt. This is rare and we are hoping that the wind will return after the cold front located to our NW will come through later today.

The Ocean is like a mirror with a very slight swell. Great for watching sea life as with flat weather you see many things.  Good thing we have started the trip with 2000 liters of diesel. This suppose to last to Victoria still a few months away. It is not to bad as long we get the wind back sometime later today

Feb 3

The winds have gone a bit lighter and veered to the East South East. We where getting pushed more North than we wanted and to stay in the trades we jibed and now are heading WSW. We expect to have a bit more winds around 16 N.

Other that that all is well. Yesterday we got a small Mahi but let it go as we are getting picky. 1079 NM to go

Feb 2