DAYBREAK AT SEA

Lady of Avalon
Guy & Deborah Tolson
Mon 22 Nov 2010 09:55
26:33.45N 16:01.55W
100 MILES SW of CANARIES
22/11/10
Wind N/E 10 to 15knts
Weather good
 
Managed to survived first night at sea -which is always the worst -whilst getting used to watch system and  very strange sleep patterns 
Any how other than my lack of sleep Debs /Nick and “Fred”-(Federico) all had a good night
Making good progress now after a slow start and have our headsail poled out and making 6 to 6.5 knots in lightish wind
 
Great spectacle at the ARC start with around 250 boats all jostling for position and we got off well but lost out to those with spinnakers who literally sailed past
Got some thing back a little later when we set up our current rig but not too well placed at this point .We should improve our position when we get into proper trade winds in a few days or so
 
Crew all pretty happy with each other and a very nice helpful attitude exists
Fred is fitting in well and on Nicks watch – he seems a really decent sort so we were most fortunate to find him in Las Palmas.  – it is always risky , but we did well.
Having the extra help on watches makes it really simple to organise  and gives all much more sleep and rest
Debs is very relaxed and that is probably due to easy start and good crew around her the fact that she saw the first Dolphins of the trip
Nick has just started fishing- so maybe Tuna or Marlin tonight
 
Anyway are thought are with you all we will keep you posted
 
GUY