B2G - Day 4

9AM Position Report

Basically motorsailed for the entire day and night. The prevailing SW wind never blew more than 6 or 7 knots. During the day, the only excitement was when a large pod of dolphins came to visit, playing in our bow wave for about an hour - it is always to treat to see these creatures.

During the night, we finally got some assistance from the currents, or at least they were not slowing us down any more. Our speed, still keeping the engine at low RPM, went from just under 4 knots to between 5 and 6. We needed that extra boost - if we continue to have such light wind conditions, we are not sure we have enough diesel to motor all the way to Golfito.

It appears that we are now crossing the dreaded ITCZ. During the night, we encountered many small squalls, with lots of lightning and occasionally some heavy rain. When the leading edge of one of these squalls hits, the wind blasts us at 20 or 30 knots, from the north, then settles down to 8 to 10 knots for a while, before reverting to the usual light SW breeze. We did attempt to sail on a close reach during one of these brief blasts, but had to go back to the engine after making good less than a mile. A lot of work for little gain. Man, we are insipid sailors!

Distance covered is now 368 miles, with about 220 to go. Feels good to finally be over half way there.

{GMST}04|52|N|082|38|W|B2G - Day 4|B2G - Day 4{GEND}