36:59.08N008:48.09W Friday 22nd August 2008.

We sailed from Sines on a fine sunny morning with a North West wind at force 3/4 a big swell of 3.5 mts. Heading south with few offshore obstructions we were making 4.5 kts under full sail. The cross swell caused us some discomfort rolling the boom from side to side, slamming the preventer in light airs. This was Tims last day sail on Libertad, south we rounded Cape St Vincent (Capo De Sao Vincete) at 17:30 We then turned east to Lagos arriving as dusk was falling in a strong 30 kt wind giving us a fantastic sail under heavily reefed main and genoa.Nick was on the helm and the smile on his face reflected his pleasure at sailing in these conditions. Rounding up we furled sails and motored in to Lagos stopping at the fuel pontoon to top up only to discover that they will only take cash or American Express cards, We checked in at the very plush office and getting the first night free and the second at a 10% discount because of our ARC entrance saving over 60 Euros on what would have been a very expensive stay(take note Ula) Back to the boat and a tricky downwind berth in 30 + kts of wind .The crew responded quickly and with skill to ensure a safe arrival at our berth. Our last supper with Tim was ashore in Lagos, a pleasant town geared very much to the Marina and tourist. The Monaco of Portugal! Thursday Morning the temptation of a "full monte breakfast got the better of us all except Nick, Tim and I had to catch the 14:11 train to Faro arriving at 16;!5 we caught the bus to Faro Airport and Tim’s waiting flight courtesy of My Travel to London Gatwick. He has reported his safe arrival home this morning and  we are missing him already, that prone /sleeping figure on the leeward bunk.

We sailed from Lagos this morning at 08;00 clearing the bridge to the fuel pontoon to top up both tanks for the four days to Funchal.The met forecast is N.NW 5/6 with a 2:5 mt swell. We have set course 237 degrees mag and 495 nm down the line.

Yesterday was also as sad day for many of us being Phil’s funeral, many of our friends attended and text me during the course of the day, Thank you for that. I am told that more than 200 people attended which is a reflection of Phil popularity. A fitting send off for a great mate.

The seas are now building as we once again loose the lee of Cape st Vincent and head out in to the Atlantic. See you in Funchal Bob, can't wait

Best wishes and love to you all Paul.