Winds averaged 20 to 25 knots from NNE all afternoon, gusting to 28 knots at times. Not too surprisingly, the sea state has become lumpy with breaking waves on the beam – we rolled so much as I was typing this that my iPad changed screen orientation! Still making 7 knots with 3 reefs and only 25 percent of headsail showing. Made for a spectacular sunset though.
Position 13° 03.409′ N 63° 17.326′ E
COG 278T
SOG 6.3kt
Found about 10 litres of sea water in the bilge, as we did on approaching Sri Lanka in similar beam sea conditions. Thought it was the bilge pump outlets but crawled into the transom this afternoon to get a first hand look. Realised its a design flaw of the deck where water runs round from the high gunwale and into the transom vent/blower outlet resulting in a small waterfall back there. Running repair effected and bilges mopped out.
Position 13° 03.409′ N 63° 17.326′ E
COG 278T
SOG 6.3kt
Wind NE 20-24kt, Seas 1 to 1.5m
Position 13° 02.447′ N 63° 24.028′ E
COG 278T
SOG 6.6kt
Log 8,600 nm
Engine 143.0 h
Wind 010 at 12-15kt. Made 159 miles on day 5 and 705 miles since departing Cochin (141 miles per day average). Sea state has abated and we have a little west setting current from behind. Had 3 reefs in the main and only 25 percent headsail from 23:00 to 07:00 (UTC+5) and averaged less than 6 knots for the 8 hours. Still have two reefs in main and headsail rolled away to first reef. Sailing pretty upright without too much roll.
Position 12° 52.783′ N 64° 56.269′ E
COG 278T
SOG 5.2kt
Engine 142.0 h