We are about 22 hours into our trip, and Coyote has been storming along in very nice conditions. Winds have been holding steady at about 13-17kts true and we have been making a course good of about 020 degrees. Coyote is a great boat for this type of sailing, quick upwind, very stable and solid, and easy to drive. In fact, we haven't yet turned the autopilot on for more than a few seconds at a time, as the boat is so easy and fun to drive. It's also amazing how much easier it is to do this with 5 people (as opposed to 2). It's nice to have someone else on watch with you, you get so much more sleep when off watch, and you know there are plenty of other good sailors to share the work if something needs doing.

Cabin interior is a bit warm and humid, as we took a few waves over the cabintop that found every possible means into the boat. I had one off watch in the early evening where I was woken up about three times by water dripping into my bunk, but Steve managed to plug the offending vent from above, and things are starting to dry out.

Expedition (routing software) has us taking a slightly unusual course. Instead of heading up and over or through the high, we will stay on our current course, close-hauled for about 6 more days, and then tack onto port tack to close with the coast. If winds are strong along the California coast we may need to ease off and head for the Santa Barbara area, but delivery North from there will be a simple and quick trip once the weather conditions are correct.

All in all we are having a good time, and finding it easy to settle into the rhythm of Coyote.

Lat 23 14.980' N, Long 156 53.203' W
Wind: 14kts ENE
Seas: 1 meter ENE
Speed: 6.1kts
DTG: 1969NM

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