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Jessica Watson: Doldrums and self-steering blues on glassy seas
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Jessica Watson at sea enroute to the equator is experiencing conditions typical of the ITCZ.
While some may use "in the doldrums" as a description of their listless or despondent mood, Jessica Watson knows the other part of the definition. The doldrums are an area in many parts of the worlds oceans known as the ITCZ or Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone.
Jessica has encountered calms, squalls and light shifting winds in the last day - conditions typical of the weather often encountered near the equator. This presents a challenge to the sailor to take advantage of any winds available to continue movement - although there can sometimes be days becalmed in this area.
The simplicity and effectiveness of a windvane self-steering system - like the Australian-built Fleming used on Ella's Pink Lady - cannot make up for lack of motive power and stops working in less than 5 knots of wind.
Jessica spent a good portion of Tuesday - lathered with sunscreen and wearing a big floppy hat - handling the tiller to catch little puffs and create some movement of her boat.
Her current position is about 950 nautical miles from the intended equator crossing point.
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