Part 1 of the tactics was successful. I could get out of the lull zone at the northern edge.

For most of yesterday we only sailed slowly but steadily with the Big Blue. However in the early evening hours, we were out of the lull zone and MaRe sailed with almost 9 KN. At 1945, we changed sails to main with reef 1 and the genoa fully and run a COG of 211 deg.

Just before 0400, we reach the WPT of the NW corner of the lull zone and Boh made the first course correction to 211 deg. Now at 0525, MaRe has a COG of 201 deg and heads down the western edge of the lull zone with 6.5 – almost 8 KN STW. At about 0700 the lull zone should disappear – if it follows the forecast. With the TWD shifting to E, our course will lead a bit to S. Nevertheless, if the wind shifts only to full E, tacking will be needed.

Therefore, part 2 is successful as well.

The tricky part starts when we reach 33 deg S latitude. This should be on Wednesday. Below 33 deg S and around 176 E there is a party of 2 highs and a low. Looking at the forecast, the wind direction changes every 3 hours, partially into the opposite direction. In order to reach the destination, Marsden Cove Marine in Whangarei, we need to dance through this party. I have an idea, but can’t call it yet a plan. We still have 2 days to sail, thus the party can develop differently than forecasted right now.

As for record temperatures, we have new record: 20 degC! I’m having a blanket around my shoulder and drink a warming tea. That’s needed when one sails away from the barefoot route area. Next year when heading to Japan about the same time of the year, it will even be colder. I’ll be heading into the northern winter. Now I’m heading into the southern summer.

Beside this, all is fine on board. Today we will eat the last piece of pineapple, thus the last fresh fruit. I’m enjoying a beautiful sunrise outside of the PRT side salon window. Now, the sun for the new day is still orange but it’s already fully above the horizon. It will be another nice day on board of MaRe. I’m just missing my OBM.