As recorded by her gallant Captain and crew.
Up the minute news and information on the Racing Yacht Coyote and her continuing journeys!
At our normal check in for the returning Pacific Cup boats, at 2000 (8pm PDT) most of the discussion and position reports centered around approaching the CA coast. We will pass thru an area known as Gale Alley, because of its propensity for high winds and corresponding high seas. The boats in or near this area are reporting winds in the 30 knot range, we are hoping the winds will abate to a more moderate 20 knots or so. But just in case, we are coming in a little “high”, our current heading is towards Cape Mendocino so we can reach off in the heavy winds and seas, rather than try to bash our way north thru them, if they occur. Today we were lucky enough to set the spinnaker around Noon and carry it until 9pm this evening, when we buttoned down for the night. Every night we have had much higher winds come up, so rather than risk the boat and stress on the crew, we went back to a reaching configuration with the 135% jib. Working well, we are still making 6.5 knots with an easy quiet motion thru the water. The spinnaker gave us great boat speed, and Auto drove all day, and is currently driving all night too. That gave the rest of the crew time to read, sleep, talk, and generally relax a bit today during the watch routine. Spirits aboard remain high, everyone seems to be having a good time, everyone is looking forward to getting into a normal bed and routine, and some may even dream of a shower….I know I do. 546 miles to go now„„ Coyote
