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In Tune - Tue 11th December. Whale ho!



After running all day yesterday with just genoa in 20-25 knot winds it eased to 17-18 knots, and with the forecast for easing winds further we decided to raise the Parasailor before dark. The wind did not ease, perhaps increased again. At 2 am we pulled it in with great work from Angela & Steve on the foredeck in particular. We set a new max. speed of 14.3 knots surfing down 4 metre swells. After that it was a slower but lot more comfortable night back under the genoa. A clear sky, starry, venus incredibly bright as usual, and it's nice to be getting some moon again in the early evening as the moon waxes.

After breakfast we raised the Parasailor again in clear, sunny skies, and had a relatively smooth and pleasant morning sail. By afternoon, clouds returned, and occasional rain squall. We made some water, had washes, and played some games. Late afternoon Philip spotted whales again. Brown/grey in colour, about 10 metres long, and with bright blue pectoral fins. They seem to be curious about the boat, having a close look at us for about half an hour, and when curiosity is satisfied, they move on.

A freighter passed us by and called on the radio to ask who we were and where we were going - curious like the whales. We also received a message that a yacht had lost its mast and needed fuel to make St Lucia. Though over 100 NM away, we responded, but could not make contact with ARC control; we heard later that other boats were closer and could assist.

Martin & Steve continue to take daily sightings with the sextant and are regularly within one minute for our lat & long.

Having now passed the 3/4 way mark, we are starting to count down our meals & nights on watch - we think 5. Tonight's dinner is sweet & sour chicken, courtesy of Geraldine as usual.

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