The same storm that wrecked a man's big heavy steel boat is no problem for
a woman's small fiberglass boat.


1600UTC 1100local/NY 0700NZ
Jan 3,2007 Wednesday Good Mornin Hugs!!
position: 52'52"S 82'56"W
winds: SSW 30kn gusty(yesterday -this morn, winds
45-50kn gusting higher)
sp: 5kn COG:122 Seas: 10' swell:10'(reached 15'lastnight)
point of sail: close reach
sails: full reef main, 1/3jib
miles sailed: 138nm
miles to go: 8228nm to RI
556nm to Cape Horne wypt.still 60nm from
the Horne itself.
forecast: The full effects of the storm system
hit ;yesterday afternoon with 45-50kn of wind gusting,and
squalling. Truly as much wind as i have ever seen.
The seas state did cooperate as the system moved
quickly keeping the swell from building above 15'
and it stayed very rolling, not breaking, longer
periods. I had only one knock down this morn and
that was as my point of sail came around to beam
reach and the seas were still 15'. Winds are settling
now. i have put the mainsail back up as it was
down all night sailing on only a small jib. The
sun is shining, temp rising a bit from it's low
of 41*f (5*c)last night. We are a wet lot, my little
ship and I but all safe and sound. resting now.
I have ended up a bit farther south than i had
planned so the 30kn winds will continue most of
the day, giving way to winds W20kn later on. A
big High system is to follow this bringing milder
winds from the west mostly. We'll see how it all
pans out over the next few days. i anticipate
being at the Horne on the 7th or 8th. The question
will be the winds effect on my trip west up the
channel.
Conditions: temp low 41*f (presently 48*f), Bar
1008(@1600; now 1013 1900), It is always a tremendous
experience to witmess the dynamics of big storms.
I felt very secure and at peace the whole time,
and for good reason as the conditions were relatively
benign, though the potential for a dangerous rogue
is always there. I believe it is somewhat the
familiarity, sense of understanding of the flow
of the storm, and an appropriate expectation, though
the winds were far stronger than i had thought.
I had gotten farther south nearer the center and
the 50kn winds. The great feeling I have is gratitude.
i just can't forget how very difficult my previous
crossings have been from old and ineffective equipment
to unbelieveably relentless storm systems one after
another. Only GRatitude, trust and the faith i
believe that gives momentum to the energy to bring
about the postive outcomes we hope for. All good
on board. Good contacts on radio with Patagonia
net and Russel radio. sv_ Tainui, John Valentine,
is crossing to chile a bit behind me from Opua.
It was really great to have a few words of encouragment
and comradery in the midst of the tempest. What
a treat. This morn on the Patagonia net, sv_Spindrift
contacted me. Ken knows me from ST Thomas. He was
there when i originally bought my boat and the
first refits. He was in amazement to hear me here.
He is expecting to be in Ushuaia before I leave,
so it will be great to meet up with an old 'mate'.
I have been asking about immigration and whether
they will have any trouble with my provisions.
it would be a great loss if they confiscate my
seeds and nuts etc like they did in Opua. of course
then, I didn't have any on board. Now i am fully
stocked. My understanding is that they will not
have any problem with the dried goods, only meats
and fresh food which i have none of. Though I
don't have any fantasy of reaching a warm place
when i arrive in ushuaia, i will look forward to
a hot bath. enjoy!!! I hope all are well. big hugs
and loves , xoxoxo d



from: http://www.donnalange.com/statusupdate.html

Cheers,
Ellen