Finally at anchor in Hilo Bay

Sept 24, 2015 0045
Anchored in Hilo Bay
Aloha Everyone, it has been an interesting day. We were hoping our wind would maintain it's moderate strength, but not so lucky. The breeze was in the 10-12 kt range and I suggested the asym, but crew not to enthusiastic as we were still moving okay. Eventually, as things did not improve, I said it was time, and we got the asym up and started moving well, and the autopilot handled it fine (which turned out to be reason crew was hesitant). We carried it for the next 7+ hours, with wind from 7-12 kts. No way to arrive before dark, no pizza and beer for us. We eventually got asym down after dark, in 17kt, without getting it wet. We jibed in for Hilo, and wind started to lighten up as rain squalls came thru. A few miles off of harbor, we started engine for awhile, but knew we only had a gallon or so left. As soon as some wind showed up, we stopped motoring and sailed. As we entered the harbor, the wind was on the nose, so back to motoring. As we got inside, we could ease off and sail some and then engine died. We sailed another mile inside harbor, in a dying breeze, and dropped the hook as soon as we were inside the designated anchorage area, just before midnight. Tomorrow, we will get some more fuel, check in with customs, and provision, before heading back out again. We are enjoying a cocktail before we hit the sack. Richard and Rita will help us in the morning and then we will be on the final leg to KYC. All for now, aloha, David


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