Second Wind - Day 6 - Playing cards and squalls

Hi

The wind has been picking up and we have been using the parailor to great
effect picking up speed with any wind. Last night after dinner we were
playing cards and just spending some time together when the wind picked up
to 15 to 20 knots which was good and our speed over ground was 8 to 9
knots ? still heading south to Cape Verde to catch the forming trade
winds.

On first watch the sky was very dark with cloud cover and no starts to
light our way and also the first night we could see no other yacht
navigation lights.

Winds started squalling dropping between 5 knots upto 22 knots and an
increasing sea. We were considering dropping the parasailor as were making
fast progress and with the night crew watch system I wanted to ensure
everyone was comfortable and capable in their role to drop the parasailor.

Whilst considering the conditions and the changing wind for 30 minutes one
of our lines made the decision for us and released letting the parasailor
flap in the wind. We dropped the sail and bagged it in about 20 minutes
and fixed the spinnaker pole back to the mast. Since then we have been
sailing with 2 reefs in the main and 2 in the genoa ? in daylight we have
reduced to 1 reef in each and are progressing at approx 6 knots. We could
go a little faster but the crew feel more comfortable at this pace and
movement of the boat.

We have seen 2 yachts turn towards St Lucia bearing this morning but based
on the grib charts the weather conditions are still unsettled due west and
or current plan is to continue south for another 100 miles and re-evaluate
based on the grib charts early this evening.

We have a few coughs on board and that combined with the distance to get
to St Lucia is starting to affect people. The good news is that we are
getting closer to our cooked breakfast and generally people are well fed
and happy in themselves.

Emails from loved ones is helping all the crew stay focused so a short
note does help, Tony, Will, Rob and I all received an email yesterday and
Mike phoned home to let them know he is oky.

That?s if for today so love to you all, Martin