27 January 2011 | Eng hrs: 1873.7-1889 | Avg RPM 2,400 | Conditions: Rough seas 3-4m when not in the lee, winds consistently 20-30 kts.
Another tough passage day. Some relief when in the lee of Nicobar islands, but getting thrashed when exposed to the open. We are now totally dependent on the engine, as our mainsail contributes very little to power the boat and we have no headsail fitted. Huge waves shifting due E, sometimes SE, so we are bashing into them, which slows us to ~3 kts under full engine power. Seems like we are getting pummeled by one squall after another. Haven’t seen the sun since we left Port Blair.
Saw a few fishing boats and one passenger ferry, but otherwise fairly surreal, deserted Nicobar landscape. Lots of smashed trees. Presumably this western coast was hard hit by the tsunami.
Anchored in the lee of Little Nicobar, around midnight, in 15m. Needed some sleep, and original timing to cross the Great Channel was already blown. Plan is to motor tomorrow along Grand Nicobar, then start the last ~90nm open ocean section in the light, and arrive into the Sabang rip tides in the light as well. We are both worried about what the Indian Ocean has in store for us tonight.