�� The lights of the navy patrol boat came into view long before dawn. I watched them pass some way off then turn 180� and finally when the skies lightened they headed inshore. Si woke (with headache L) and seeing the size of the vessel we decided to up anchor and get underway immediately. They would need lots of space to moor on their special buoy, besides which the seas were rather unpleasant. I was greatly relieved that the hook came up with no problems and gathering in the tripline we were underway for Graciosa.

�� The minimal wind was on our nose and the sails didn�t stay up long. At least the seas flattened though giving us 360� of still water and several sightings of turtles. Several drifted past and I don�t care what Simon says, the one only a few feet from the boat definitely rolled over and waved to me! I was too slow with the camera and only caught one other just as it was diving. The down point today was Simon being poorly again: wine will have to be banned. We nursed his head all day and still feeling nauseous he skipped dinner and went to bed after a cuppasoup L.

GARDENING AND GALLEY UPDATE

�� Losing the basil cuttings which were just about to be potted was a huge disappointment and the Italian flat leaved parsley is only just hanging in there too. It hasn�t grown at all since home. I�m now making a conscious effort to feed the plants. (And not forget to water them!) On a brighter note we now have mung beans sprouting in a bag hanging from the shower and cress is growing in a little pot under the sprayhood. Much less seed is needed in the pot next time though; it�s looking a bit matted! Only a few weeks left now to perfect things before the transatlantic.

�� We�ve not had much success with a net storage hammock for vegetables either. This old time favourite storage method left us with limes falling through the gaps, melon swinging into the lockers and bruised bananas. It is now tied to the mast support post with a sail tie to stop it swinging too far.

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