Noon to noon run: 140 NM
Time of position: 00:00
Lat/Lon: 0 deg 08.64'N; 126 deg 34.93'W
Course: 220 deg Mag
Next Waypoint: East end of Hiva Oa: 937 NM distance
09 deg 45.03S; 138 deg 45.65W
We've been sailing close reach to close hauled all day with a nice 10-12 knot breeze out of the south southeast, and are closing in on the equator. When we cross the equator (which happened around 3-4 am), Bob and I will go from being moss backs to shell back. John D., having crossed the equator once earlier in his life is already a shell back. So according to custom he will play the role of King Neptune. Hmmm. I hope the king goes easy on us!
Since yesterday afternoon the seas have been long rolling swells arising from different directions, but the predominant swell is east south east - long, slow and powerful. For the past few nights on my watch, the moon having already set, the heaven has been filled from horizon to horizon with stars. At this latitude you have only to glance toward the north and south horizon to see both the north star and the southern cross - truly magnificant.
Tonight, however, there is an upper to mid layer of clouds obscuring the stars but the brightness of the moon still penetrates. By the time it sets the cloud layer will most likely be gone for the night. As high as the moon currently is overhead, it may well still be up when we cross the equator. Under these conditions I can not think of a better way to pass from the northern hemisphere to the southern hemisphere. Sure, it would be nice to cross the equator during daylight hours, but with such a sky, it is fine with me.
A gentle breeze, gently rising swells, a nearly half moon, and a balmy temperature. The only thing I'm missing is my sweetheart.
John
John
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