Position           35:43.94N 072:36.72W

Date                2359 - 17 May 2011 (UTC -3)

A roller coaster down wind day culminating passing through one of the larger thunder and lightening displays that I have witnessed as we approach the Gulf Stream.  ETA for the Gulf Stream is 0130 Wednesday.

The photograph of the radar display explains the all round effect – lightening and lashing rain was happening in all of the orange bits together with winds squalling from 10 to 40 knots.  We are the boat shaped object in the middle travelling towards the top left corner.

The down wind sailing is very much what our Atlantic crossing in November should have been but was not.  Now we all know what we were missing.  Hourly runs of 8nm at the cost of being rolled around.  Elizabeth managed to construct a padded cell out of pillows and bunk cushions on the main bunk which did something to insulate her from being thrown around whilst resting.  Us chaps do not need such things, of course, but are always willing to check them out if they are provided– very comfy!

The Mate had been saving the last of the Bunting’s Cornish Pasties for such an occasion and they made an easy meal for the conditions.  Given the fact that they have been in the freezer for ten months and meanwhile travelled 8,500nm they must hold some sort of record.