17:09.6N 42:31.37W

Last night was one to remember due to light winds.  Trying to sail in 5kts or less wind was tricky for all.  We were making zero progress at times; not good.  Wind on/off and sailing nearly in circles, sails flapping around making an awful noise until we all had enough and we switched on the engine (as we are allowed in the crusing class - with a suitable time penalty).

We motored 10hrs today in next to zero wind.  The bonus was bright sunshine and a calm sea and we all dived off the boat and swam around it.  Some of us had masks/snorkels and we checked under the boat - all fine, an amazing sight and extraordinary life experience to swim in the middle of the Atlantic. Water temp 31 degrees, crystal clear deep blue and 4km deep. Slightly scary as the boat was sailing along at 1.6knots, but of course we had a safety line behind and always one of us on board.

Sailing aside, today has been fab.  Seriously hot as well.  Seeing Whales and Dolphins close to the boat was an extra bonus.  Sometimes, it’s just nice to have a day of no wind and simply laze around.  A bird landed on deck and joined in the relaxation, an egret we think – it has been with us for a few hours now!

Most fresh fruit and veg nearly eaten.  Very little wastage and most lasted well without us being forced to eat it due to ripening.  Eggs in aft cabin locker are still fine; we turn them once a day.  Onions & Oranges hung off the back of the boat in netting and drenched daily in salt water are surviving well.  Bananas from Las Palmas were a variety of colours on arrival.  Most too awful to eat and still ripening.  Carrots wrapped in tin foil are in hiding and no one can find them.  A search party starts tomorrow.  

Tim fished today at dawn & dusk but, unusually, no bites with the 'hot' lure.

We hear from a blog reader that there is a Mr Sparkle in Rodney Bay.  If the crew can talk the skipper into this one, maybe they can wiggle out of the end-of-trip boat cleanup session.

Now doing 6kts with full main and a polled out, goosewinged genoa in calm seas and 12kts of wind.  Maybe another swim tomorrow and hoping for fair winds and continued sunshine.

Regards,

Tim, Mike, Barbara & Mike