Sunday Island Day 6

Posted byRichard HewsonPosted inUncategorized

9 March 2024

Yes the real day 6,… Yesterday I was a day ahead of myself!

Day 6 and we are now 1/3 of the way to the Marquesas sailing well at 7kts, with yesterday’s run of 181nm. Conditions have abated and settled since yesterday, the sky is blue, and we are cruising along nicely with our large genoa, staysail, mainsail and missen in 16kts of wind. We must look a beautiful sight in the middle of the ocean with all our wings spread! Amazing to think the closest human to us is orbiting the earth in a space station, then nearest land is over 1000nm away and we have not seen another vessel since departing Galapagos!

Yesterday I made a few improvements to the HF antenna and managed to get a good enough signal with TI08CR in Costa Rica and managed to download a grid file all the way to the Marquesas and a large MSLP picture. Still no luck listening to ARC (Fleet following) sked on 4149khz, but I think they are over 600nm behind us. Using the HAM radio certainly provides good entertainment and I have learnt a lot about antennas, radio waves and RF, with constant improvements every day. Next time we re fit the boat, and re rig the mast in Australia I will hopefully have the system perfected.

With the settled weather the fishing line is back out in hope to attract some Mahi Mahi. We hooked a beautiful blue marlin and it was good sport getting it alongside the boat only to be released in to the deep blue sea! I think we are sailing too fast for Mahi! Days have been spent passage planning for Marquesas and Tuamotu’s islands and re-reading all the books and articles I have downloaded on my computer, taking notes and plotting notes onto the chart. Kids are entertained playing vets with toys, reading, helping me with passage planning maths, designing their ultimate bedroom (pets included), and listening to music. Em is not feeling the best today so is having a rest day and chilling with the kids.

Sunday Island is sailing along beautifully, she is really enjoying the Pacific Ocean and her crew are loving it too!

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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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