We're off!

Marinara
Ed Dolman
Mon 23 Nov 2009 12:51
After months of planning and anticipation we are finally off across the atlantic. We got a good start and as we crossed the line the wind started to build nicely. It wasn't long before we broke out the asymmetric spinnaker and raced off southwards. It also wasn't long before we broached a couple of times and took it down again! Since then we have been sailing more or less downwind wth two reefs in the main and a bit of genoa - still averaging over 7 knots. We decided to follow the established advice to "go south until the butter melts" and spent a pretty bumpy night rolling along with 25 knots of wind and a 3 metre swell behind us - who needs a surfboard!  We've just sent our first midday position report to the ARC rally control (26 15N 17 07W) and are now heading WSW with the genoa poled out.It's 28C and the sun is shining! The only wildlife to report so far is one bird and some flying fish! Although we have enough provisioning on board for a round the world trip we have so far only advanced as far as Ainsley Harriott soup and Tesco part baked baguettes (highly recommended!) with manchego cheese! This will of course all change when Dave catches his first tuna. All a bit tired but in good spirits!23/11/09.