Sailing from French Polynesia to Tonga Day 6

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> We sailed well north of Palmerston island and we are now sailing in an empty pacific. We have seen no other boats, no fish, no dolphins, but today we did see a booby bird, but yelled at it as a warning not to play with our wind gear. The wind has been far lighter than we have been used to, but it was magic sailing yesterday with the sun out and a poled out genoa. The weather forecasts have been crazy and quite unreliable, with the routing haiing us sail an extra 100nm to the north to sail around a low pressure trough. After following the weather for this passage for the past month, and seeing how quickly the forecasting changes, we decided to follow the rhumb line which I dont normally do as im always looking for the best wind. >
> Today we sailed straight into the trough. As we approached the wind backed to the North, then died off all togeather. Before I had time to let go the preventers and center the mainsail and mizen, then furl the genoa, the wind had started to fill in from the south, bringing with the change lots of rain. While the forecast showed under 5 kts until midnight, we have been happily sailing along with 10kts and the wind just aft of the beam. >
> Our speeds for this trip are well below our average of 7.1kts since fitting the new B&G in Mallorca, as we have been averaging a bit over 5 kts, but have seen a 8kts a few times in the stronger wind. Not bad for a 45ft cruising boat! Four more days and we should be arriving in Neiafu Tonga. >


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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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