Panama to Galapagos Day 5

Askari Position Report 0800 local time (1300 UTC) 25 February 2020

00 Degrees, 24 Minutes SOUTH
087 Degrees, 47 Minutes West
24 hours 124 miles
Motoring at 6 knots
5 knots of wind from the South East
Course 230 Degrees Magnetic

Sailing and swimming across the Equator, Pilot Whales and Boobies

It may have been our slowest 24 hours ever, however what a memorable 24 hours it was. The wind continued light until lunch time so we motored slowly, enjoying beautiful rolling ocean swells and calm sea. The sky had a few clouds we recognised as trade wind clouds and just after lunch we noticed the wind come around to the south east. It was only about 8 knots but this was enough to sail - yay we had come out of the doldrums and were in the trades again.

I had made a cake and prepared a toast to thank King Neptune, I had also randomly put a waypoint on the chart with a cocktail icon on it where I estimated we might cross the equator. Andrew took this literally and when I said it would be nice if it was about 2pm so we could enjoy it without any other distractions. So yes we arrived at the spot just before 2pm, sailing beautifully in 10 knots of wind.

With no Polywogs aboard (someone who hasn't crossed the equator by sea before), these two Shellbacks (someone who has),our ceremony was a simple giving of thanks to King Neptune and sacrifice of rum (with ice) and cake. We then asked for him to keep us safe as we travel into the South Pacific. We then dropped the sails and turned around to cross again, this time Andrew positioned the boat just before the equator, protecting me from the ocean chop and I jumped off the bow and swam across - OMG one of te craziest experiences of my life. Then it was Andrew's turn - he of course dived in! It freaked me out him not being on the boat but it was so cool; we were buzzing. Andrew grabbed a snorkel and did his best to remove any growth on the hull since he cleaned it in Las Perlas. It was a bit dangerous as by now we were beam on to the swell and the boat was crashing at the stern - so we called that off and had another bit of cake.

Here's some of the action....

We carried on sailing slow (about 5 knots) towards the Galapagos and just before sunset a pod of over 12 Pilot Whales appeared right alongside the boat - dark black shapes and the odd tail - the wildlife out here is amazing. Then three boobies with red feet arrived on the pushpit; they just sat there even when I went right up to them.

Over night we carried on sailing and it was perfect - just drifting along slowly under a starry sky. We both slept so well.

Now with just over 100 miles to go we have the engine on for charging, but will probably try and just sail slow again today so we arrive in the morning, rather than enter a busy harbour at night.

What an amazing day - thank you world!

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