Day 16 – Dolphins at Dawn.

   What a joyful start to the day! Simon brought green tea on deck at dawn just as Lini excitedly heard that familiar noise from a dolphin’s blow hole. We had a brief game of chase before they swam off for breakfast and we continued on course at good speeds as I had done all night.

   Thankfully we had none of the forecast thunderstorms today, but several squalls passed over appearing from behind as we’d expected. I was glad of a rinse down but at first they donned ollies and stood by to reef sails if necessary. It was so hot they consequently got drenched like me and stood steaming for a while afterwards wishing they’d had shower gel handy.

   Lini was more organised in my galley today making bread and a chicken pie very early before things got too hot. I’ve been feeling very stuffy with her cooking later in the day with my hatches closed firmly against waves and squalls.

   This afternoon my flogging sails in light winds and big cross seas drove Simon nuts and they furled the headsail. It was time for a gybe anyway. Of course they were now very disappointed with my speed. I’m a heavy girl and need a bit of wind to get going. Even when a wind shift made a broad reach possible I was still only able to plod along. The wind calmed and shifted yet again and slowly I crept towards St. Lucia through the night.

Breakfast – Orange, grapes+ yoghurt – Cereals.

Lunch – Chilled ratatouille with fresh basil focaccia.

Happy hour – Basil palmieres.

Dinner – Homemade chicken and leek pie, steamed vegetables and gravy.