#45 NOW April 29, 2005 0204 Zone Time = UTC -8 hours S01’54.1 W127’44.6 Temp 80.4, Water Temp 87.2 Wind from the East @ 9 kts, Seas are 4-foot swells, Para-vanes down, Heading 217’ mag. Miles Completed 1915, Miles to Go 860, SOG (speed over ground) 5.5 kts. Greetings from the Southern Hemisphere, At precisely 1726 on April 27, 2005 Done Dreamin' and crew crossed the equator. It was a hoot to watch the GPS count down the minutes and seconds of latitude until it read all zeros and then showed an “S” for South Latitude. We of course celebrated with proper libations and many pictures. To top it off, we pulled a little ice cream out of the freezer, which we enjoyed in the 90-degree heat. King Neptune would have been proud. The Southern ocean has been a rather consistent 7-10 knots out of the East with a 3-4 foot swell from the SE. We could be running with the para-vanes up. However, the added comfort with them down is greatly appreciated. The current from the East that we have anticipated has not materialized. Thus, we are not making the forward speed we had expected. I have been getting many questions about fuel burn. As mentioned earlier we built up a large reserve of about 70 gallons above our do-not-go-below line of 20%. Since we increased to 1400 RPM several days ago, we are running pretty much parallel to that line maintaining the 20% reserve +70 gallons. We have around 860 miles to go and a total of about 495 gallons onboard. With a burn of 1.57 gph at 1400 RPM and a speed of 5.5 knots with para-vanes down, we should use about 245 more gallons to reach our destination. This would give us around 250 gallons remaining on our arrival. Of course, when the horse gets close to the barn he always quickens his pace. We may use some of that to arrive at a good time to clear customs etc. Yesterday, we did our final oil change. I realize there is great controversy about shutting down an engine while underway and I certainly feel a great relief when it is running again. However, without the installation of a bulky and expensive system to allow changes with the engine running, I know of no other solution. To my understanding, the use of synthetic oils for longer runs between oil changes, or special filters has not been approved by the engine manufacturer, thus putting your warranty in question. With the reliability of the Lugger (John Deere) engine, and a wing-engine running, I feel quite comfortable with this procedure. Our daily routines have become quite relaxed and enjoyable. I have been getting in a few celestial shots, and under Jim’s tutelage making some progress. I hope this e-mail finds everyone happy, healthy, and of good spirits. Life is a Cruise, Larry and Jim Larry Rick Done Dreamin' Nordhavn 40 #33 Site: http://gricknet.homedns.org/ Email: <mailto:donedream@pacbell.net>donedream@pacbell.net