Noon Position: 36 19.7 S   150 10.2 E
Course South  Speed 4.5 knots
Wind: NW, F4   Sea: slight  Swell: SE 1 meter
Weather: overcast, mild
Days run (since 1900): 106 nm

We have experienced quite a variety of conditions since leaving Wollongong, requiring a quite a bit of sail trimming, reefing and furling, and un-reefing and unfurling. But overall I am very happy with our progress with conditions milder than I was expecting, especially as we rounded Point Perpendicular. I was expecting the wind to freshen and back more into the west but as it turned out the breeze stayed in the NW and only increased to force five, about 18 knots. So, while we had to reef the main down to two reefs and roll up a bit of jib, we were able to close the coast and thereby reduce the fetch and sea state, making for a more comfortable ride.

For much of the forenoon we have been running wing-on-wing with the wind on our starboard quarter. We enjoyed a very pleasant ‘stroll’ between the coast and Montague Island, passing the entrance to Narooma with a tinge of sadness. I had discovered this magic little village for the first time, despite passing this way many times, with Kate as my crew only a couple of years back. Suffice to say, we enjoyed some very good times together.

Given that the wind is forecast to be over 30 knots from the WSW to the south of Gabo Island, I have decided to make for Twofold Bay and wait there for improved conditions. At our current rate of progress we should arrive late this evening.

All is well.