Exody - Days 368/369 - Whale encounter on home straight

David and Marian were both showering when the characteristic Humpback fin and long back appeared less than two boat lengths away to port on a parallel course! She (I'll guess !)was close enough for me to see the underwater shading and shape but soon sounded only to reappear close to starboard. David was soon out and we watched her surface straight ahead not showing much of herself, as she then overhauled us, her position indicated with more huge splashes and spray.

Today, Friday 15th, we have less than 24 hours to run and have had two reasonable day's runs of 156 miles in the lighter trade winds. The lead boats will arrive late tonight, early tomorrow and we'll be in by mid afternoon. Exody was radio net controller today for the second time this leg and we managed a full role call with only one boat needing a 'relay'. Unlike other legs there is a notable dearth of radio chat! I think this mainly because of the reception challenges we have encountered in just achieving a simple position report in the mornings and an 'all is OK on board' in the evenings!

The days continue to start very cloudy and to progressively improve such that by now (16.00 boat time), the sky is clear, the sun out and the sea sparkling.

The prospect of some land-based activities at St Helena and even potentially hotelling on shore are now eagerly anticipated!

Peter (Skipper)