Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1999 Morning Report (from Bruce Blankenfeld and Kamaki Worthington) / 15.5 days since departure: Winds have strengthened to 10-20 knots from Noio Ko'olau (NE by E). Hokule'a is sailing at about 7 knots on a heading of La/'Aina Ho'olua (W by N/WNW). Navigators estimate the canoe has averaged about 6 knots over the last 24 hours and made 137 miles. The easterly swell is from Manu Ko'olau (NE) at 3-5 feet and building. 100 percent cloud cover (70 percent cumulus congestus and cumulonimbus, 100 percent stratocumulus, 70 percent cirrostratus). Squall bands. Round moon, waning (Kulua, 17 days old). Estimated latitude at sunrise, 11/25: 9 degrees 33' S; 11 miles east of the reference course. Hokule'a will turn west soon to look for the Marquesas, which lies about 500 miles to the east (3-5 days sailing). Southernmost island: Fatu Hiva, at 10 degrees 28' S; northernmost island: Eiao at 8 degrees S and Hatutu at 7 degrees 55' S. Actual Position at 6:00 a.m. HST: 11 degrees 02' S; 131 degrees 38'W. Fishing: no strikes. Birds: 'Iwa (Frigate bird), Ua'u Kani (Shearwater). Crew: Nalani Kaneakua and crew are preparing an afternoon Thanksgiving Feast.
For more information on the quest for Rapa Nui, go to the PVS Homepage.