Hikianalia Report: Oct 11, 7:35 AM HST “..creeping toward the International Dateline”

Captain and navigator Bruce Blankenfeld had lots of stars overhead to steer by and explain to the crew.  Our terrific sailing winds of yesterday dissipated to very light breezes that have us creeping toward the International Dateline we thought we would reach last night.  Soon we will be in the same date as Hawai’i and Tahiti and we’ll relive October 11th all over again.

This October 11th will be a lot different than yesterday’s speeding along.  It will be a good day for cleaning the canoe, shower baths, etc.  One health concern is always sun exposure, so today will be a good time to exercise proper use of sunscreen, hats, and long sleeves.  We continue to work out the normal kinks in any brand new vessel and all is going well.

Sail Data

• position: 35.6454 degrees S 179.9428 degrees E
• course: 075 degrees True
• speed: 3.0 knots
• weather: clear all night, some clouds developing overhead
• wind: light and variable
• sea state: SW swell 3-5  feet
• vessel and crew condition: all ok (Faafaite also)

Education:

• Celestial Observations, Navigation Stars, Planets and Moon Phases: A beautiful clear night with many good stars for navigation and education
• Animal Life:  None observed overnight.
• Sea Birds and Sea Life: Gulls, Boobies, etc.
• Marine Debris: None observed overnight.