Hikianalia Report: Oct 10, 8:13 PM HST (2012-10-11 06:13 UTC/GMT)

We had good weather and great wind for sailing in the direction Captain and navigator Bruce Blankenfeld indicated: La Ko’olau or one house north of east.  (See On Wayfinding for the Hawaiian star compass and traditional navigation without instruments.)

We spent most of the day making 9 to 10 knots and covering good ground.  Both the canoe and the crew are becoming better each day, in their own right and collectively.  We have been extremely fortunate in that the first day was quite mellow and we could get our bearings and sea legs in calm conditions.  Today tested the canoe and the crew with stronger challenges, especially steering in stronger winds and slightly higher swells.  But, the conditions were still quite manageable – perfect for training and putting experience in the bank.

Sail Data

• position: 35.7811 degrees S 178.9553 degrees E
• course: 075 degrees True
• speed: 9 to 10 knots
• weather: clear sky above us
• wind: S winds have clocked to SW 15-20 knots and lightening
• sea state: SW swells  8-10 feet
• vessel and crew condition:  all ok (Faafaite also)

Education:

• Celestial Observations, Navigation Stars, Planets and Moon Phases: Stars just beginning to emerge. Hanaiakamalama and Ke Makau Nui o Maui are already bright overhead as this is written almost two hours after sunset.  With this clear sky, the star show will be amazing tonight.
• Animal Life: A small shark (estimated 3-feet long) cruised by on the surface with dorsal fin above the waterline.
• Sea Birds and Sea Life: More sea birds are fishing in this area.  An albatross accompanied us for about half an hour.  We’re not sure of the species, but its size and coloration were very similar to the Laysan albatross we see in Hawai’i.  We know they cruise from Hawai’i up toward Alaska.  Do they roam the Southern Pacific as well?
• Marine Debris: One small piece of plastic was seen.

Laysan Albatross