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Hot Stuff - Hotstuff blog - day 10



'Halfway days'
A short blog today - typing on the laptop and sitting in the same position for more than five minutes = very dangerous = results in bottom of authors thighs suctioning to the chart table seat. We are definitely getting close to St. Lucia - it's absolutely boiling!
 
Pink spinnaker flying high and helming becomes a challenge for all but the most experienced of our crew. We have made steady progress averaging about 7.5 knots speed in 8 - 15 knot winds over the last few days, running ahead of the predicted wind hole. We were very grateful that the wind never dropped below 8 knots. As predicted, as soon as we reached 20 degrees North the wind started to build again yesterday afternoon, and we could turn right - full steam ahead to St. Lucia!
The crew have taken advantage of some extra time off the helm to test each other on sailing theory and practices. It has reflected well in some very slick spinnaker drops and hoists if we may say so ourselves.
The extra time has also allowed us to stop and look around, taking in the glorious sunsets and sunrises and night skies and other events:
1) An 'alien' craft passing slowly across the sky.
2) A flying fish, keen to get up close and personal in Karen's lap last night!
3) A large cargo vessel heading East.
4) Planes passing high in the sky - reminding us of how totally insane it is that we are sailing a journey that could take us 8 hours.
5) Most excitingly a glimpse of a huge whale that came up to surface only 20 metres away from our vessel.
 
The halfway point calls now. 40 miles to our midway longitude. We also have two birthdays onboard this week. Stay tuned for news of celebrations!



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