to run the easting down

An expression which refers to the long easterly passage from the Cape of Good Hope to Australia between the latitudes of 40° and 50° S., in the area known as the Roaring Forties. It originally referred to the big square-riggers on the Australian run which used the prevailing westerly gales which blew in this area to help them on their way, but yachts engaged in round-the-world races (see yachting: round-the-world competitions) also run their easting down in this area of the Indian Ocean.