We had a lovely overnight motorsail and then after dawn the wind rose enough for us to gybe and follow a more or less direct course under sail. Which lasted until 1200 when the wind fell again and we are back to motoring.

As I write there is a big cloud formation coming up from behind with grey rain beneath. Mindful of Des’s directions to avoid “hotspots” I have been looking out for the telltale anvil cloud formation of Cumulonimbus. There isn’t one and nothing is showing up on radar which suggests that the rain may not be too heavy. So, it could be a squall ie rain and strong wind or just a shower with no significant change in the wind. At the slightest hint of anything untoward we will be altering course. On the other hand a freshwater wash for the boat would be a good thing. You forget how much salt accumulates on a long passage and previously shiny metalwork soon becomes brown and rusty. I’m opting for the wash down and keeping fingers crossed.

We have a waxing half moon at the moment. This means it is high in the sky as the sun sets and as soon as it is dark we have gorgeous moonlight until about two in the morning (cloud permitting). I watched it set this morning and look forward to its return tonight ever brighter and for longer as it continues to wax.

We had an interesting dilemma for lunch today. As we approach Fernando with a final night at sea the sense of excitement and relief is rising. I thought we should celebrate with baked beans but, shock horror, I couldn’t find any. Crestfallen I reported back to Annie who said that there was a tin in the bag of emergency provisions for the liferaft. At the moment I am terrified of doing or saying anything that might tempt fate (remember the Duogen?) and so refused to debate the risk of needing the beans or compromising our quality of life in the event we ate them but did subsequently need them. However, Annie re-checked the tins cupboard and of course found one. This led to my oft repeated admonishment for never looking for things properly. Properly chastised I put this post to one side and we celebrated our near arrival with beans and toast.

The shower came upon us, slipped down one side of the boat, produced a sort of damp mizzel and that was it! The sun came out, I put the cockpit seats back in place and - it started raining!