34:21.2N 008:19.1W

 

Excellent start to our passage.  We transited the Straits of Gibraltar facing a westerly breeze, but fortunately the sea state was calm, unlike the day before, so we were able to motor west making good progress and a comfortable ride.  Then we turned south west (wind on our nose, naturally) and by 1700 we raised the sails and set off at 8 knots.  Continued through the night with the breeze dropping.  Plenty of traffic to deal with and David had to radio a freighter that failed to see us.  Come morning, the breeze began to fade and the motor went on again.  But that means hot water and showers, so there is an upside to that.  Our first 24 hours run was about 160 miles.  It will be good if we can maintain that.

Weather forecast remains favourable with wind generally north sector force 4/5.  We now have calm seas and a bit of cloud, sailing in company with S/Y Petronella, also headed for Lanzarote.  Position about 55 miles NW of Casablanca.

Lovesail and crew all in good shape.

M