Going at a crack'n rate

We are moving at a good pace south now. The SE trades are being left behind and we are headed into the back half of a high pressure area. Wind has moved into the E x S and should continue to back towards NE. Hopefully we will then be positioned for a straight run into Nelson that will allow us a reach even if the winds head round to SW after an approaching front/through in a few days. Speeds are looking good with 6.8 on the log at present and 454 miles done in 74 hours, a 6.1 knot average.

A double reef has just been tucked in the main, down from full. A few rolls in the Genoa and a No2 staysail set. We are nursing the boom as the crack in the weld for the kicking strap attachment has spread to about 1/3 round the boom. We have drilled the ends of the crack and taken all pressure of the kicker. Ever the optimist I was hoping it would last to Nelson where good repairs can be made, or a new boom constructed. Time will tell. We will keep load to a minimum and our route should give us easy sailing, we hope.

Our first Albatross has been sighted which was very nice.