Hello
all
We achieved 180 nm in our first 24 hours to 1300
yesterday, taking it steadily with reefed sails. The second 24 hours is
looking respectable as well. We have now altered course having cleared the
wind shadow created by the Canaries and are running on a southwesterly
heading towards stronger trade winds and the Caribbean, though further course
changes will be necessary in a few days.
Yesterday afternoon we had a matinee performance by yet
more dolphins, and clear skies last night gave us a sky studded with
stars. The wind then eased, and whilst we still have a reefed
main, the genoa is now poled out.
Alan is doing a stirling job with his watch system,
which enables us to have 6 hours off every now and again, which in the hours of
darkness is a bonus. Everyone is now getting into the swing of this, and
most of us have found our sea legs!
Our commiserations go to the crew of Auliana that lost
it's rudder on the first night, it has now been abandoned but thankfully the
crew are safe. Also to another yacht who had a collision at the Start, and
had to return for repairs, but are now under way.
The sun is shining, it is warm, and we are looking
forward to increasing our performance as our confidence
builds.
Bob, Elaine, Nick
Alan & Paul