13409 miles
N43° 54.05′ W141° 38.62′
course: 3.4kn @ 051°
wind: 16.1kn @ 202°

Those of you watching our track might be wondering why we were going south and not very fast. The simple the answer is: the wind.

The more complex answer is also: the wind. A couple of days ago one of our shrouds snapped and while our temporary fix, the literal jury rig, was in place we had most of our sail in and was limited in our direction of travel. yesterday, the winds let up (3-5kn) which allowed us to hoist Tae aloft and rig a better temporary stay.

With an abundance of caution we are limited in how much sail we can put out but the rig feels significantly more secure at the moment. Furthermore, the temporary stay, which is around the mast prevents the mainsail from being unfurled past the upper spreader, so our sail area is rather scant.

Anyway, after we were done, we pulled out the sails. there was still no wind really, barely enough to keep the boat pointed in a single course. Time passes. The forecasts predicted wind later in the day, and we are conserving diesel so we were just bobbing around, moving at about half a knot.

Now we’ve seen a few big cargo ships so far, but today was the first time one hailed us which prompted this truly profound conversation. I’m startled when I hear the radio break squelch:

Sailing vessel … Favignana this is cargo ship.

Startled, I reply, “Yes, vessel calling Favignana, go ahead.”

“Uh …” the operator replies immediately. Followed by a pregnant pause, then “where are you going?”

“We are headed east but presently becalmed.”

“Okay.” (transmission ends)

I told them that I did appreciate the call and have no doubt if we’re having an emergency they would have backtracked the six miles or so and rendered assistance. The chap on the radio, despite his heavy yet unrecognizable accent pronounced Favignana perfectly.

Lunch today was fried chicken and mashed potatoes. The fishing line remains barren. The crew (and I) are slightly frustrated to have limited our top speed, but very thankful the rest of the rig is intact. We also discussed how small changes in speed can add up to hours or days difference of travel time.

Okay, until next time.