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Gozwoz - Day 3 from Santa Maria



We have now been motoring for two days and have covered over 300 miles of the 800 or so to Lagos. There has been a slight change in the wind, which has not been over F2 for some time, and which went to the NE at 7/8 knots. We tried to sail this but our course was well to the south of Cape St Vincent which we must round before reaching Lagos and returned to motoring after a short while to preserve our northing. Other yachts in our vicinity have gone through the same process and we have seen three crossing our stern from north to south while attempting to make progress under sail. Most appear to have given up.

There is nothing much to report from yesterday. The only newsworthy events were the appearance of two whales and in the same area a pod of dolphins engaged in fishing, that is swimming in circles while splashing. The evening was clear following a wonderful sunset and the Navigator stayed up late enough to take a sight on Polaris (the star), producing a fairly accurate latitude.

Previous reference has been made to the tunefulness of Our Great Leader who has the habit of whistling while engaged in any physical activity requiring concentration. His range of tunes is enormous, unsurprisingly given that he was a church organist at 14, has played trombone in bands and orchestras from the same time and occasionally relaxes with his concertina. Recent tunes have included "Go West", which is presently on repeat and somewhat disconcerting for the crew who are rather keen to go east at this time, "Camptown Races", "Sleigh Ride" and "When the Lousy War is Over". No doubt there is a complex shuffle algorithm in his head but it can be bypassed. A successful attempt was made to subliminally induce him to whistle a tune by the Navigator who sang a verse or two of "A Wand'ring Minstrel I" from the Mikado which OGL was heard whistling shortly afterwards. A catalogue of his tunes is currently being prepared by Roger.

Minnow III has been deployed and has been noted to have a lifelike wriggle. With any luck we will be having fish on successive days following the Coxswain's excellent fish pie.

The Coxswain and the Navigator are delighted with the progress being made since the wonderful Helen and the gorgeous Jan will be in Lagos awaiting our arrival. The reception pontoon at Lagos may not be as romantic as the Cobb at Lyme Regis but it will be quite enough after 7 weeks of separation. The ladies should be prepared for their men to be hairy and, at least in the imaginings of the Bosun and Roger, insatiable.

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