Pacific Odyssey - Leg 5

Those on watch last night had a very eventful night.  The wind changed direction to the NW and increased in strength.  The sea was very choppy with high waves close together, similar to those we experienced in the Irish sea of the 1992-3 offshore.  Water was hitting the port side and spraying over the ship.  Water also came through the scuppers and over the rails, rushing knee-height towards the stern to dampen the helmsperson.  The dories started coming loose and leaning precariously toward the leeward rail: Jose, Karen, Sean and Chase did an amazing job securing them, getting wet in the process.  In the bow, the jumbo sheet was loose and Karen and chase again got wet to the waist, holding onto the jackstays while they tightened and re-coiled the sheet.  They said it was exhilarating: it was a good reminder of what we should all be prepared for, especially in our leg from Japan to Hawaii.  The wind is very light, the sea is dark green, and we are motor-sailing with the trysail, foresail and jumbo up.   In the after cabin origami took over.  On our Japan ´to do´ list is:  buying origami paper, lots of it.  Simon has mastered the origami boat and now has an entire fleet taking over the after cabin table.  At lunch today, Jose hosted a traditional tea ceremony for forward watch.  We tasted oolong and lychee: both good teas.  At 1300hrs we were at our closest to Korea, about 30nm.  The entrance to the inland sea is very narrow, only 2000ft: it is called the Kanmon Kaikyo ( kanmon strait).  We hope to go through on Monday at about 1100hrs and then continue the 90nm to Hiroshima.  We have a beautifully clear night: it is very cold but the sea has become calmer.  The hatches are closed and the galley stove continues to warm up the hold: the after cabin stove is no longer working.  Until tomorrow, good night, Bonice.