Sunday 2nd October
Awelina of Sweden
James Collier
Sun 2 Oct 2016 19:17
Note 1 degree north: we crossed the equator at around 7pm last night and toasted Neptune as is traditional. It was a more poplous gathering than foreseen as three migratory birds came and settled on the sprayhood for the event (and passed the night with only occasional fights and the most unmeliflous 'aaark' noises). They are about the size of a wood-pidgeon, with buff bodies, chocolate tail feathers and grey heads with a distinctive white crown. Long dark beaks and webbed feet.
During the night the wind increased to F6, still from astern, necessitating a reef which is still in although the wind is now back down to only F4 and I should restore full sail soon.