Since the way point change earlier this week, Challenger has been making excellent time. As seen in the forecasted currents from both Copernicus and RTOFS for today, 29 has made it to the south easterly jet between the eddies to either side.
Copernicus Averaged Currents Forecast for August 06, 2015
RTOFS Averaged Currents Forecast for August 06, 2015
By managing to catch this jet, we are seeing some of the best speeds of the mission as we have averaged 18 km/surfacing since the waypoint change resulting in just under 30km/day!
RU29 Velocity Plot
In the next day or so, the way point will be adjusted again to account for reaching the end of the jet as we then continue to make our way from eddy to eddy on our way to the east.
Force, Wind, Sea & Honor