Trade Wind Sailing (Sunday, June 13, l999)

Family and Friends:

	Sailing into Opanohu Baie, Moorea.

We sailed from the Isle of Raivavae yesterday morning just after first light. After enjoying two beautiful and pleasant days on the island, we set sail in overcast but breezy conditions. The Southeast trade winds were upon us and we were headed about 400 miles north to the Society Islands, specifically Moorea and Tahiti Nui. With a fresh breeze just abaft the beam, we made over 200 miles in the first 24 hours with just our working canvas.

It has been a bit lumpy and in just a few days our sea legs have gone soft. Mal du Mer, lethargy and lack of appetite are once again upon the crew. We have experienced a squall on average about once an hour, so we're wet too. The good news is that we are now in the Tropic of Capricorn, so it is warm and balmy. As it should be!

Right after her watch this morning, Paula reeled in a 20-pound Mahi Mahi (dorado, dolphin fish), so we don't have to worry about what to take out of the freezer for din din tonight. MaiTai stood guard over our catch while we had tea, before filleting and releasing.

The squalls got progressively stronger and winds progressively flukier this afternoon. One minute we would be broad-reaching in 20 knots, and the next it would be pissing rain and the winds would die. We played the trim, motorsail, sail, slog game for a few hours, but then we popped out of the squall line and are now reaching at ten knots in a steady breeze. Dale made chocolate chip cookies in the midst of it all to keep the crew's spirits high.

If the present conditions continue, we should be anchored in Cook's Bay, on the Island of Moorea by mid-morning tomorrow. Goals are important, and ours is to go to happy hour at the Club Bali Hai tomorrow evening.

Cheers, George, Paula, Phyllis, Steve, Dale and MaiTai