GOLD COAST 110600ZJAN12 BLOG

Posted byRichard HewsonPosted inUncategorized

LAT 09 31.5
LONG 134 16.0
DTF 2025
ETA Some time next year
COG Varied SOG 0

WEATHER WIND NONE SEA CALM SWELL N1.5M CLOUD 4/8 CHAOTIC, BARO 1005.7

This morning we sailed past the Pacific Island of Palau, and this afternoon we still remain 100nm to the north of this beautiful island.

Since the start of the race my tactics have been to head north to the reliable trade winds to make our way across the
Pacific to Asia in the best time possible. Normally trade winds are stronger away from the equator to about 12 degrees
north. This race we seem to be experiencing far from Normal conditions as Gold Coast Australia once again sits to the north of the fleet, sails flapping as we roll around in the swell becalmed.

The wind has been dying off for the last 12-18 hours, and finally it has culminated at this. 0kts of wind. Routing Charts
(Charts that tell you the direction and strength of historical wind trends) and GRIB files say there should be at least
15kts of wind for us to run with, yet we have 0 and I find this very frustrating.

On a positive note at least I had time for a quick swim this afternoon to cleanse myself of the dripping sweat that comes from living below decks in such a hot and humid environment.

Onboard everybody is equally frustrated but we try to see the funny side of things. We all know that we are sailing the
best we can and have made our decisions based on the facts we have and so for now there is not much more to do but to have a laugh, continue fixing the medium weight spinnaker, and wait for wind!

Richard Hewson

Yacht tracker viewed at http://www.clipperroundtheworld.com

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Published by Richard Hewson

Richard Hewson is a Tasmania-based ships captain, marine surveyor, and experienced sailor with a lifelong connection to the sea. With experience in project management and vessel commissioning, he has operated and raced a wide range of vessels—from dinghies and Maxi yachts to tankers, icebreakers and research vessels. Richard has competed in major offshore events including the Sydney to Hobart, Fastnet, Middle Sea, and Transatlantic races including the Mini Transat. In 2012, he skippered the winning yacht in the Clipper Round the World Race. He has sailed to every continent and explored all corners of the world from Antarctica to south pacific atols and recently completed a three-year family voyage from the Netherlands to Tasmania. Richard holds a Master Class 1 (unrestricted), RYA Yachtmaster Ocean, Engineering (1200kw) and commercial diving certifications, and is an AMSA-accredited marine surveyor. He is also affiliated with the Australasian Institutes of Marine Surveyors and is passionate about all things that float.

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