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Milanto - Milanto Blog 10th & 11th December



Two days seemingly rolled into one.
10th

We are 300 miles out of St Lucia. The Trade Winds are behind us and we roll with the waves and the wind that is steady around 15 knots. 

Mr Norris is still confined to his bag and we take turns at the helm  to get the optimum ride down the waves to maintain a fast pace.

 The swell is huge, but regular. It sometimes feels we are 50 feet  above the ocean as we crest a wave, before gently - and occasionaly crashingly - slide down the other side. The sun beats down and the temperature down below suggests another uncomfortable night trying to sleep in between watches.

11th

150 miles to go. This will be our last day at sea. Another beautiful day for sailing. Big swell, consistent wind and bright clear skies. We make good progress at around 8 knots and still resist putting up the spinnaker that has proven difficult to handle - our first choice spinnaker having been torn early on in the campaign. This afternoon  we relaxed on deck and compared beards. Knot tying lessons have been  suspended and fishing was aborted after a suspected Marlin ripped  through our lure. Spirits are high. 62 miles to go. Our estimated arrival time is around 1:00 am  Thursday 12th. After 16 days at sea during which the Milanto has seen us through > high winds and high seas and through which it has been impossible to  stand upright without hanging off the grab rails or any other anchor  point, we wonder how we will cope with dry land. General consensus  is that a Rum shot with a cold beer chaser will sort us out pretty  quickly, a remedy endorsed by the ships designated First Aider / Paramedic, who has also doubled up as the ships cocktail mixologist without even a hint of irony.

Tension and excitement is building as we await first sight of land. There is also a touch of sadness that our journey together as the crew of Milanto is drawing to a close. Its been a great adventure that has bonded us together in a shared experience.

Next blog will follow after crossing the finishing line, more news about our performance in racing Division 2 and overall position will  follow tomorrow. 

PS just as darkness was falling upon Milanto, for the last time at  sea, we were visited by a pod of 10 Dolphin that played in our bow  wave for about 20 mins. What a great way to end our last day at sea !



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