November 26, 1999 Morning Report (from Bruce Blankenfeld and Kamaki Worthington)/ 16.5 days since departure: Many birds sighted: Manu o Ku (white terns), Noio (noddy terns), Koa'e Kea (white-tailed tropic birds), Koa'e 'Ula (red-tailed tropic birds). The navigators believe islands are close and are on the lookout. Hokule'a is sailing at about 6 knots on a heading of 'Aina Ho'olua (WNW) and will continue on this heading until an island is sighted. Winds are 10-15 knots out of Noio Ko'olau (NE by E). Navigators estimate the canoe has averaged about 5 knots over the last 24 hours and made 128 miles. Sea state has gotten confused, with 3-5 foot swells from Manu Ko'olau (NE), Hikina (E), and 'Akau (N). 50 percent cloud cover, cumulus and stratus. Moon waning (La'aukukahi, 18 days old). Estimated latitude at sunrise, based on a measurement of Caph at 20 degrees transiting the meridian last night: 09 degrees 06' S; 68 miles east of Fatu Hiva. Fatu Hiva (10 degrees 28' S, 138 degrees 50' W) is the closest island to the canoe, the southeasternmost island of the Marquesas. Actual Position of Hokule'a at 6:00 a.m. HST: 10 degrees 50' S; 133 degrees 48'W, or about 300 miles east of Fatu Hiva--about two sailing days from this morning. Fishing: no strikes.