We pulled away at 11.30am to much traditional tooting on horns from the other Rally yachts and even a nearby J Class (which jumped us out of our skins!).  Sadly Zippy Do Da has had further problems with the hydraulics associated with their boom and we left them behind to sort out their problems – they are in good company as a few other boats remained with them.  There is such a wide range of yachts on this Rally that whereas some have enough diesel to cross the entire Atlantic if required, some are dependent on wind to get enough amps in through their tow generators to keep their SSB radios alive. 

Our first role call was at 1800 and it was really interesting to see everyone’s progress – the powerful yachts out front, Neva  ducked in to Gran Canaria with SSB problems – a few yachts anchored for the night alongside neighbouring islands.  So much for only motoring in an emergency!  There is very little wind and what there is is bang on the nose so we have motored all day and night with the mainsail up.  The watch system worked well, although we recognise the need to keep the system going 24 hours and it all went according to plan and we all had a good nights sleep.  My first watch on my own was uneventful and calm………

            Bennett           6 - 8    

            Oscar               8- 10

            Michael           10 – 12

            Harriet             12 – 2

            Paul                 2 – 4

            Bennett           4 – 6

            Oscar               6 – 8

            Michael           8 – 10

            Harriet             10 – 12

            Paul                 12 – 2

            Shared Time    2 - 6

Not knowing if the water maker is working until we prime her up, I took the advice of our ‘survival at sea’ expert and cooked our potatoes and vegetables in sea water last night – the meal was disgustingly salty and had a very rapid result on our stomachs!!

No fish on the lures yet but a squid on the deck this morning.  Paul reckons the only things we are going to catch are those that give up their own lives and offer themselves to us voluntarily!  Michael is thrilled – he has read that if we pack it in salt over night it will turn into a leathery bate sure to catch his lunch tomorrow  …….  We shall see………..