June 6, 1999 5:30 AM 7.317x110.01

Wind came up around midnight with a shift to the East about 15-20 knots.  Sailing faster but a rock and roll ride d/t the large easterly swell that lifts up the stern of the boat and throws it to starboard thus heading us up into the wind.  If a second wave follows closely it really causes a rhythmic roll that is very uncomfortable and feels dangerous.  The net result is the sails are reefed so much to help stabilize the boat that a lot of speed is lost and you just get beat up while going slowly.  The moon is waning but still ¾ full so even with the partial cloud cover its light is most welcome since it helps give perspective to the sea conditions.  Had planned to put up the spinnaker today but that idea is scrapped for now since there will probably be lots of wind. Shirley, the windvane, has been doing a super job of steering through the wind and waves of tonight but also during the very low wind and boat speed of yesterday.  Hooked up the trolling generator yesterday since the boat speed was so low.  It likes to pop out of the water at anything above 7 knots.  It worked fine all afternoon and evening until the wind came up and then it started some of its antics like it was going to self-destruct. I re-strung some of the lines and it seems to be working well despite the 7-8 knots we are traveling.  It will have to stay put for now since it’s very difficult to retrieve it while moving and in the dark.  Hopefully tomorrow will bring us those idyllic trade winds with little sea for a smooth, fast ride to our landfall in the Marquesas, gateway to Polynesia.

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