Q & A: Open ocean?

QUESTION

Another vega owner here, wishing you well. On the tracker you are now just a dot in the ocean- for the first time there is no land on the screen- I guess you are out of sight of land now as well which must be a relief in some ways?
With the benefit of more open water, do you anticipate doing less motoring now and putting up with light winds at the cost of lost time?
-Mavanier

ANSWER
Its nice be away from land. You can have strong winds near shore and no wind in the middle of the ocean, or vice versa. There is no general rule of thumb. I am in a area with prevailing North-westerlies right now, which is very helpful. Well, like I said earlier its blowing SE at 40kts right now, but the wind will change by tomorrow.