We didn’t make it away exactly as planned but not far off, and we’re now (1200 hrs GMT) in position: "35:18.65N 10:51.45W". We had to get a rigger to help us fix the genoa furling gear, but all fixed by mid morning yesterday. Separately we’d been warned of big swells into the Atlantic yesterday but calming later. Our first reaction was to delay a day, but we also realised we’d need to make progess as the weather for the end of the journey is forecast to be little wind. So we compromised and set off early afternoon to “have a look” and see what it was like – it was good enough, so we cracked on.

 

For the first 12 hrs we got patches of rain but mostly strong winds (F6) and a heavy swell of 3-4 metres. Both James and Byron were slightly seasick (but better now). Chris and I both felt a bit off in the steep churning waves, but got through and all healthy/ happy now! Sun is out with some patchy clouds; temp around 20 C so getting v pleasant. We’re doing around 7 knots now but yesterday and through the night we were cranking along at 8.5 knots – all good when I assumed 6.5 knots in my navigation.

 

This is looking like an ideal stretch to get our sea-legs and iron things out. Target is Madeira where we’ll probably stop for a day before heading off to Gran Canaria; we may even stop by Tenerife if there’s time. Attached some pics...