As recorded by her gallant Captain and crew.
Up the minute news and information on the Racing Yacht Coyote and her continuing journeys!
We just reported in for the end of day 4, it seems most of the return boats are headed in the similar direction. We have continued to fall off a bit, 30 degrees (M) is our course, if we can make it, else the best we can do at times is due north. We have remained on the same longitude as Green Buffalo, who has made this crossing 15 times now, and Expedition our routing software is also choosing this same course, so we feel we are on the right course for now. Winds have died down a bit today, and the air has cooled, a welcome relief….But for Julia who has taken to cooking most meals, the galley has been a hot box. With the wind and waves we have not been able to open portholes or hatches, because as soon as we do, water comes poring in!! Another beautiful sunny day today, lots of sunscreen going on. Bit weird though, because the hours out of our bunk and outside is few, but the sun is hot. Good stars tonight so far, some clouds are on the horizon, which may end up blotting out the sky again. Called Fred Fritz Electronics today, and got some advise from Fred regarding our charging system. We examined all the connections, battery terminals, and leads looking for a loose nut or wire, but so far nothing. We continue to “rev” the engine to about 2800 rpm, then the charging kicks in, and we can reduce the rpm back down to 1300 to do the charging. Tomorrow we will examine all the leads in the ignition box to be sure all the connections are secure and clean. A few of the other return boats are having some issues too. I believe Trial Run,a Passport 40, has turned back to Hawaii with a problem, the second to turn back, and I believe Deception, a Santa Cruz 50 is unable to start their engine due to dead batteries…Another Santa Cruz 50 is going to drop off a battery for them tomorrow, lucky they are close to each other. Coyote is sailing along great with the #3 and main, and our average speed for the past 24 hours has been 6.25 knots made good to SF. We are seeing speeds of 5-7.5 knots over the bottom. Winds are dropping a bit now, but Grib files show that the winds will return. We have had very windy nights, and I hope tonight will give us the 17+ knots apparent we need to move along fast…. oh and here it comes now, looks like we are off again. Off to bed, my morning watch starts at 0330. Coyote
