The westerly land breeze stuck with us till 10, giving us 3 hours of beautiful windward sailing in smooth water. The 8-12 knots was just enough to sail close-hauled at 6-7 knots. The long groundswell is still from the south-east (behind) making the motion almost hypnotic, like being slowly rocked to sleep.
Position 15° 17.951′ N 40° 15.792′ E
COG 313T
SOG 4.2kt
Weighed anchor at 7am, a mere 15 minutes after the alarm went off. Wind had veered to the west during the early hours so we were pointing in the opposite direction to when we anchored. Anchor came up clean, and we were not surprised as it skipped a couple of times when we set it, so the bottom is probably similar to the shore – looks like a shale rock and sand. We made sail straightaway, making use of the 8-12 knot land breeze and lest we should foul the propeller again with the seaweed that’s everywhere.
Position 15° 05.070′ N 40° 19.316′ E
COG 035T
SOG 3.2kt
It’s pretty good, still about 15kt of SE breeze, but not toot rolly. Picked up some really tenacious seaweed on the way into the anchorage. Wound itself tightly into the gap between the prop, and the saildrive anode. The most difficult clearing of the prop in 10,000 miles! Having to dive on the prop two days in a row is just not how it’s meant to be, and water still like pea soup too.
Position 15° 05.495′ N 40° 19.292′ E
COG 180T
SOG 0.4kt
Very light south-easterly. Wind instrument says we have 1 to 4 knots apparent wind. Poled out theÿ#2ÿgenoa and floating along at 4 to 5 knots on a flat sea. It’s pretty relaxing. We’ve decided to anchor at Howakil Island tonight, and Port Smythe tomorrow night. Leaves us about 4 hours sailing today, about 5 tomorrow and another 5 on Tuesday morning.
Position 15° 07.974′ N 40° 43.150′ E
COG 299T
SOG 4.9kt