For those old enough to remember Carlsberg adverts, then this morning was definitely one for me (Liz). At about 0500hrs myself and Coleman were lucky enough to experience a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis

(Northern Lights). They don’t normally come this far South, however apparently a recent solar flare had made them come to slightly lower latitudes. The photos (unedited) are actually far more colourful than what we saw with the naked eye; however still an amazing thing to see as you are sailing across the open Ocean.

Enjoying a cup of tea at sunrise we were then lucky enough to be accompanied by a pod of dolphins who were enjoying a morning surf around our bow. Rolling over to say hello and give us a smile, there is nothing like seeing wildlife in its natural habitat. Later in the afternoon, Pauline also spotted a passing whale. We are also spotting quite a few Portuguese Man of War (big jelly fish) in the water which have small colourful sails as they glide through the water.

Given we only sent a blog yesterday and therefore we don’t have too much new news (less to say we are still making good speed in the right direction with less than 900 nautical miles to The Azores) I thought I would use today’s quiet time to draft a poem about our journey thus far on Yacht Cassini (no Nobel Literature prizes anticipated…!)…so here goes:

The faster the fair winds from the West do blow

The faster will our dear Cassini go

Aboard a crew from distant lands

All now friends and trusted hands

Our sailing watches keep us full steam ahead

Our domestic chores keep us watered and fed

During the day we learn new skills

Be it knots, navigation or refining our drills

Every day we try and catch some fish

To make our dinner a more tasty dish

Alas; the fish have evaded us today

So more corned beef hash; to the French’s dismay

The distance across the Atlantic is vast

Nigel our navigator gets a daily weather forecast

He plots where the Highs and Lows are most likely to go

Then sets us a course where the winds should blow

Simon our Skipper is patient and kind

Keeping Cassini and her crew safe always on his mind

Using his experience to ensure we continue to learn

Be it trimming sails or setting a course; each in turn

Coleman is normally the fresh water maker

Whilst Pauline is our main bread baker

Liz can often be found in the galley making cups of tea

Whilst Romain is kept busy as Nigel’s protege

Whilst we live in the moment; our minds still wander

To our family and friends in places a yonder

So spare us a thought and wish us well

As soon we will be home with a new story to tell.

Liz