VIC MAUI RETURN 2018 - POST #2

Day 3 – Dolphins & Moonbow
26 d 19.8 N 154 d 58.2 W

Champagne sailing yesterday and most of today!   Although our old friends ‘Soggy Pants’ and ‘Squally Nights’ made a re-appearance we enjoy fantastic sailing conditions. Tracking just east of true north at an average of 7 kts sailing is pleasant with little spray over the bow. In the afternoon about a dozen dolphins approached us from our port aft quarter, jumping through the air as they closed in on Salient. They played in out bow wave for a while until they dashed off to the north.

Captains hour was a bit better attended with three signed up for it: A glass of wine, a beer and a virgin rum & coke! Everybody loved the homemade lasagna by Renee and we polished it off in record time. Note to my racing friends: To make this more enjoyable we crack off on our course, ease the sails a bit and level the boat much to the enjoyment of the crew. Cruising style!

It was our turn on deck after dinner. As the set in the west, illuminating the towering cumulus clouds making for a dramatic exit, the scene in the east looked gloomy: Dark, grey skies – a squall was brewing and soon enough we are drenched in water as the sky opened is flood gates. A short-lived affair and before we dried out, the stars & our friends Mars, Saturn and Jupiter made their entry. A clear sky and full moon two days away made for a bright night. So bright in fact that for the first time we see a moon bow. It is not as colorful as a rainbow but magical nevertheless. Against the dark backdrop, created by squalls in the distance the moon bow arched almost 180 degrees.

As beautiful as it was, time to head for the bunk.

A note from the crew:
Everybody got their sea legs and all are well. Food is plentiful and delicious. The grapes are a welcoming addition and they keep surprisingly well. Four days since we bought them, and they are still fresh! Salad, oranges & apples keep us healthy. Beer & Coke chilled in the fridge ready for the next captain’s hour!

Until tomorrow – Salient out.