We have reached the doldrums. That’s the name of the inner tropical convergence zone, an area known for its notoriously light winds. And it features quite a few squalls, which typically come with stronger gusts. So to make progress in these light winds we are looking for and the following the squalls and their gusts. It might sound a bit contradictory after we ripped our spinnaker in a squall the other night. But here it appears to be the best option to moving along a good speed.

And as long as we manage to do that and make progress in direction south, we are sailing along. However, once the wind dies completely, we are allowed to use our engine. This is a special arrangement for the doldrums taken by the race management to allow them to keep the race schedule. To make it fair for everyone and still maintain the spirit of a sailing race, it is strictly limited how far and fast we are allowed to motor.

In a squall this afternoon we had a strong rain shower. We used this to collectively shower on deck. I hadn’t anticipated how good this would feel. And of course it was also a very welcome cool down for everyone.

Besides that we have started with general maintenance tasks. They are much easier in the current conditions compared to before. So there has been some progress in the repair of spinnaker. And also the deck got a good scrub in one of the showers so that we hopefully got rid of the last nits of Sahara dust.

And then I enjoy the clear night skies with the impressive stars. Far away from the light pollution of our cities it is much easier to see the stars. And they serve as a good reference when helming. I don’t know anything about the stars I use, but maybe one time I will learn about astro navigation. Until then I just look at them, oblivious to their names and relations.