Exody - Day 363 : Normal trade wind service resumed!

After nearly three days running before a near gale with gale force gusts (25 - 35 knots), this morning (Saturday 9th) brought much more relaxed 20 knot winds and associated quieter seas. Just as the trade winds should be - with clear blue cloudless skies to boot! This South Atlantic crossing is billed as the one with the most reliably consistent trade winds so we hope these more pleasant conditions will now continue to St Helena, 1100 miles away and on to Salvador. Even after shaking out two of the three reefs, we are still making over 7 knots. The day's run to 11.00 this morning was 174 miles and by lunchtime we had passed the third way mark. Three days in and we have finally lost Hugur from sight ahead of us - so we'll have the ocean to ourselves we reckon for the next week! That is unless the fast late starters Garlix and Tulasi catch us up.

David made his debut in the galley last evening with a great prawn risotto. It was planned to be enough for two sittings but sadly half of it slopped behind the cooker and onto the floor with a particularly heavy roll! Lunchtime salads are creatively assembled, usually by Marian, around what needs using - today it was cauliflower (since the aroma in the cabin was distinct!), tomatoes, carrots, almonds, cucumber and raisins - a successful combination you could never plan for in advance!

Peter (Skipper)