Things seem to be settling into their tracks. Seasickness is an issue of the past - everyone is fine again. After almost 2 days for me without anything to eat, the Lasagne for dinner was even better than usual. Plus a wonderful green salad - might have been the last one for the trip as green stuff doesn't last well - and all accompanied with a great Bordeaux. Although I have to admit the wine tasted a bit like the bottled water we drink. Maybe it was bottled water? The new day started with a good strong coffee; we really are back in tracks.

The night was still cold, suggesting double-underwear, warm hats, ski gloves, and all the foulies on top of it. We look more like a returning polar expedition of big, cuddly Teddy bears than a sailing team racing to Hawaii. But things will change. Sky was fully cloud covered, with only glimpses of brighter sun rays, and every now and then a patch of a few stars in the night. Still pleased to say it didn't rain. The sea had become quieter. Wind was low anyway (10-15 kn), and waves were small, but big swells made driving a bit more interesting. Occasionally big canyons opened in front of Cirrus, where she would go into, dive into the hill on the other side, scoop up a load of water on the foredeck, and rush it back to us in the cockpit. Uuuhh, cold!

Our performance was quite pleasing. I have as 3rd or 4th overall out of the 28 boat that have started. We did a good 181 mile day, which is getting close to Cirrus' 1998 performance, which I see as our real benchmark. California Girl has apparently forgotten their warm underwear, or what else would make them go that far south? In fact, many boats are heading quite a bit south. Wether this will pay back to them still remains to be seen; if it does, we'll become very quiet. Current weather pattern is not changing that much; maybe we can get by with our course.

As of this moment we are raising the spinnaker (the new 3/4 ounce) for the first time in this race. Apparent wind speed is down to 5 kn, but we are making a pleasing speed of 7.5 kn. So far, things look good.

Aloha,
Ulli

position at 1135 PDT: 33N56, 128W14, COG 242M, SOG 7.5kn