living the dream 24:11.12N 25:03.96

Chantelle
Fri 30 Nov 2007 10:25
Thurs 28 lunchtime.
At long last an afternoon of leisurely cruising! First afternoon of proper relaxing - what joy! Had a few hickups so far, roller furler wraps, caught halliards/sheets etc. Nothing major. Jackie and Erik at some point through the night decided to head for home. The track on the chart plotter looks decidedly wobbly. Not always easy steering down wind - particularly when no moon, just blackness ahead and cloud permitting beautiful starlit night sky. The moon has been rising around 11pm and floods the ocean with light. Incredible!
We're getting used to the watch system now, mostly crashing in centre saloon and back cabins. Too rolly for front cabin.
We had more dolphin escourts yesterday at sunrise.
Big event last night was landing a Dorado! A dose of gin and he was no more. Kim left the boys to the "blood and guts" stuff but was happy to partake in dinner. Erik produced an exquisite meal, it was cooked to perfection! The fruit and veg are gradually disappearing - although some over the side as rotting. Relieved to find smell from Jackies cabin rotting aubergine and nothing more unpleasant!
Gertrude (self steering) has proven herself today and Captain H is trying to out perform her - he's slightly disappointed in her Tango technique though.
We managed to beat squalls this morning using the radar system.
Fri 29 am
Tried to send this yesterday but too many pics I think, so only 1 for now. Very good night averaged 7 knots, sea rolly and confused, don't appear to have caught the trade winds and longer waves yet! Thought we were in for rough night as very ominous black clouds but not banking up thankfully, although Jackie alikened his watch (no moon) to magic mountain florida ride!
The days pass very quickly and the night watches not fast enough but so far every morning the sun is still shining.
 Hope you all well back home.
Until the next time
Chantelle Crew!
xxx

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