“Keep her headed as she is now. The compass setting is for Upolu Point. We ought to make it easily by daybreak, and then we’ll cruise the western coast of the Big Island.”
“Heading for Ka Lae, Dad?” Biff asked.
“That’s right, Biff. Hank and I are going to turn in now. You and Li handle the ten-to-two watch. Wake us up at two, then you boys can grab some sleep.”
Li joined Biff in the cockpit.
The Easy Action lived up to her name. She slid effortlessly through the water, noiseless except for the soft swish of her bow cleaving a path. The wind held steady. There was nothing to do but hold her on course.
“Like sailing, Li?” Biff asked.
“It’s the greatest. I’ll take sail over power any day.” Li spoke as if he were an old salt.
“Not so good for water skiing, though,” Biff said. “You need more speed for that, quick speed, fast starts.”
“Oh, sure. But for a cruise like we’re taking, give me sail.”
The boys were quiet. The spell of the night settled over them. Li, Biff knew, dozed off from time to time. He himself felt drowsy, lulled into sleepiness by the slight rise and fall of the craft as it rode over the swells.