0300hrs 1 Feb 2005 UTC 49’36”S 176’48”W Map Ref 41 1714nm 12C
Right now, we are about 60 miles too far north for a decent breeze and we are trying to go south to pick it up. The water temperature has gone up to over 12 deg and we have an adverse current of about 1.2 knots – about 25% of our speed thro the water, so speed over ground is about 3.2 – 3.5 knots. Same old equation – cant burn diesel this early in the voyage so just have to cop it on the nose. To turn south west would be a real gamble – we’d lose most of our speed by going directly downwind and in the end may gain nothing and lose a couple of days. SPBF. We’ve been in the current for about 24 hours and it’s been building. Confirmed by Sarau who were here yesterday. Malcom C or Don P, – Hilary has both your phone numbers – perhaps you could pass on to CSIRO in case they are interested and we’ll keep sending the data. Meanwhile a consolation coldie from the good Dr C.
The logs ramblings can be cryptic, so we have added: