Location 31° 00S, 130° 15W
Wednesday, 10.24.2007

The Schooner Maggie B’s noon position on October 24th was 31° 00S, 130° 15W. We were motorsailing at 1800 rpm towards our next decision point at 35S/125W. The wind, as expected is 8-10 knots from the NW, which is generally just not enough to keep us going above out arbitrary “motor” point of four knots. We have been able to sail only about 1/2 of the last 24 hours, though the sails have always helped somewhat. We expect to have a few days of light or no wind, by which time we will be at the decision point, where we will chose how far southerly our track to Puerto Montt should be, balancing favorable wind against the chance of getting too much of a good thing.

We have come 2151 NM from Rangiroa and have 2769 NM to go to Puerto Montt. Life is settling in well for the long leg, as it should after a week at sea. We are doing the usual sailor’s make/mend work: new sheaths for knives, leather wallets for shore, patches for clothes. We wash our laundry, chase leaks in the head and go over the rigging. Hannah baked a “Lady Baltimore” cake, and Kath, Hannah and Robert went for a quick dip/drag when we were ghosting along. Tonight’s entertainment is a “poetry slam” with all bringing a few favorites to read aloud.

In all the discussions about things that break or are poorly made, I want to recognize systems that do their duty day in and day out without a problem. Today’s Star goes to our Spectra Watermaker, which has run almost with no problems for 532 hours over the last year and a half, making about 3200 gallons of fresh water to sustain us.

All is well.