Had a short shake down sail yesteday p.m. Nothing broke. Encouraging. Bit windy though, so we came back for a rest. We must try to stay out longer next time!

We woke today to grey skies and rain. Hopefully not a sign of things to come.

Our final food consignment has been delivered. A splendid selection of fruit and veggies. There'll be no scurvy on L'Isme. We took advice from neighbouring boats and washed and dried everything. Stowaway creepy crawlies are not welcome. It also turns out that one's more tender fruits need to be padded. If your mangos rub together there is a severe risk of chafing!

We have decided to initiate a 'comment of the day' regime for your entertainment. Can you guess who we are quoting?

Comment of today is: "Bruce, could you show me your tackle?" A fishing reference you understand .....

Only 18 hours to go now, and the anticipation is building. We will cross the start line tomorrow with 2700 non-stop sea miles ahead of us. The only way to know what that feels like is to do it. And so we shall.