We check what's called a GRIB before we start our crossings. GRIBs tell us what the wind will do, like direction and speed, and also show any high and low pressure systems we might encounter. As it turned out, there was much less wind than the GRIB we downloaded our last day on Bali predicted.
We timed our departure just right, even waited an extra day to ensure better winds. We needed to make it back up the Lombok Strait, which had proved tough to get down on our way into Bali, and that required good northerly winds. GRIB: downloaded and looked favorable. Boat: packed and ready. Crew: getting itchy to be on the move again. All the proper ingredients to set sail.
The current was against us up the Lombok Strait and sails weren't enough, so we started the engine. The boat made pretty good time and we enjoyed lovely views of the Bali coastline. Once past the island, though, things turned rough. Heavy clouds gathered and we prepared for a storm, which brought rain, lightning, and wind. At one point we turned back toward Bali to avoid the lightning! One rough night later things had calmed down. In fact, they calmed down a bit too much, contrary to what our trusted GRIB showed us.
We had a couple great afternoons of sails up and 6 knots, but other than that we motored. The whole way.* This is unfortunate for a number of reasons. When we motor, we use diesel, and refueling costs money. No wind means no cooling breeze, which means the boat gets pretty toasty, especially during any time the sun is visible. (I originally thought 'afternoon' but it starts heating up at sunrise.) My bunk is also right next to the motor and gets pretty hot, and going to sleep wondering how drenched in sweat you'll be upon waking is, well, gross. Usually if you can just make it to the sleep stage it's alright, but waiting to fall asleep while sticking to your bed is not the most comfortable thing.
Even with the heat and the motoring, some good things came on this crossing. This was our first run on a 5 person watch schedule, and I must say it's pretty awesome. The boat feels no more crowded but we all have so much extra time to sleep, and read, and sleep more. The sunsets were beautiful and most of our nights were clear, cool, and full of stars. And on day 3 we turned the motor off and took a swim break in the middle of the ocean, complete with soap and shampoo. But even with those nice moments, I can safely say we're all ready for the WTP to become a sailboat again.
*Edit: I preemptively wrote this post on day 4 of the crossing. Poseidon must have read it and gotten angry, because two nights later we got wind... and rain and wind and lightning and more wind. The storm hit roughly 10 minutes before my 3am watch, and Adam later said that when he went to drop the headsail he could feel the first front of the storm vibrate the forestay.
We dropped all the sails and put up the storm jib to ride it out, but did get blown a bit off course for a few hours. With sunrise came the calm we're used to, the wind having left us again.
That's the last time I write a post about no wind during the middle of a crossing..