Today was another gorgeous day under sunny blue skies, with winds around 12 - 17 Kts out of the southeast. Perfect sailing conditions on a beam reach for Paw Paw, allowing for speeds of 8.5 to 9.5 Kts in relatively subdued seas on a single reefed main and full genoa.

Other than a few birds, a cruise ship and a number of cargo ships, we haven't had much company, but we are in contact with other yachts that are also underway via the SSB/HF radio nets and with family and friends via email.

As expected though, we ran out of wind around 2100 as we entered the calm area of the high pressure system and have slowed down as planned. We've altered course to avoid the Kalso Bank a few miles north of us and we'll then set a course for our theoretical "mooring ball" in order to remain north of 25S and east of 155E, where we may have to hove-to for 6 - 12 hours. This is a contingency option to allow the worst of the weather associated with the tail end of a low pressure frontal system that is passing south of us. Our hope is that Mother Nature will clear the way sooner and allow us to alter course without delay directly for Southport.

In the interim, with cruise ship, Pacific Aria, for company and Paw Paw surrounded in bioluminescence under a waning moon, we're continuing westward.