Second Wind - Iron Mainsail

We are now some 475 miles North East of the Cape Verde islands, sailing into the teeth of a 7 knot headwind using our trusty iron mainsail. Suffice to say that the reliable North Easterly winds expected in this area have taken this week off! If the forecast is to be believed, this form of sailing can be expected for another day or two which will probably mean an unscheduled visit to the Cape Verde islands for a spot of diesel (just in case the reliable Easterly trades are also thinking about a holiday). We have also had to carry a little extra weight for the last couple of days as a visiting racing pigeon decided to avail itself of our hospitality. It left yesterday just before we could look up a recipe for pigeon pie. The bread making has been slowly improving and now we are seeing a consistently good loaf or two each day. Yesterday afternoon we formally entered the tropics although we are still resorting to full foul weather jackets at night to keep warm. Bring on the 24 hour shorts and tee shirts!