30:55N 71:17W

We sailed 160 miles in the last 24 hours and have covered 370 miles since leaving Beaufort on Friday.  The Virgin Islands are just over 850 miles ahead!

 

Overnight, the wind strengthened out of the north east and by dawn we had two reefs in the main, two and a half in the genoa, making 7.5 knots in fairly rough seas.  It’s a bit like living in a washing machine, though fortunately we are lovely and dry below decks at the moment, unlike our friends Mike and carol in Aleta who have discovered some new leaks today.  They are safe and coping!

 

Most of our fleet have now turned more south easterly to cope with the stronger winds and heavy seas.  Ideally we would have liked to go further east before bearing away for the BVIs, but the weather forecast indicates an opportunity for us to do just that midweek, when the wind veers into the south.

 

All’s well onboard.  We are looking forward to the wind and sea state easing overnight.  Another fine sunny day today – so at least the waves breaking over the boat are warm!