November 12, Sunset: Doldrum Conditions, Slow Going
November 12, Sunset:
A slow day due to light winds in the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
weather: 100% gray overcast with cumulus all around the sky and horizon (8/8 coverage). Squalls all around the horizon. No high clouds visible due to overcast.
Our weather forecaster, Hans Rosendal, informs us that the light, but steady, winds we enjoyed yesterday were due to the ITCZ moving northward, but we would catch up to the doldrum conditions, and we have. In order to speed our delivery of Hikianalia, we turned on one of our two solar-powered electric motors at 11 am. Even with the motor, we only made 50 nautical miles between 6 a.m. and 6 pm, averaging a little over 4 knots. We will run the starboard motor until that battery bank is down to 50% state of charge, then switch to the port motor and do the same to the port batteries. Then, we hope to recharge the batteries using the solar panels tomorrow and the day after. The crew is safe and well and Hikianalia continues to perform very well in every regard.
- course: west of north, heading 355 degrees True, Haka Ho’olua. Fluky winds are forcing us slightly east of north, trying for 10 degrees True, Haka Ko’olau.
- speed: 4 to 5 knots, assisted by one of the two electric motors
- wind: East of South, 5 knots, higher near and in passing squalls
- sea state: Southeast 4 to 5 , well developed
- Sea Birds and Sea Life: the usual terns and boobies, often diving for malolo, which are plentiful. Did not fish today.
For Complete Sail and Education Data, see the Tracking Map.
Hawaiian Star Compass (Click on the link for an explanation of the names of the directional houses of the compass. Click on the compass for a larger image.)
November 13, Sunrise (Forthcoming)
Celestial Observations, Navigation Stars, Planets and Moon Phases (See Hawaiian Star Lines for star names and configurations.)
10 pm to 2 am watch –
2 am to 6 am watch–
