Good morning all

We are fast approaching the completion of our 8th full day at sea. We had a very calm night, but still managed to creep along at 5.5 - 6 knots. Not the speeds that we are hoping for, but it has given everyone the chance to rest up.

From the daily distance figures we have been getting, we have been among the pace setters in the C division for a number of days and by our estimate we are 5th, in terms of least distance from St Lucia. We are also the farthest south in the division, so hope to make up some more ground.

We caught our 2nd fish yesterday. It was a case of 3rd time lucky before we landed it. I had three bites in quick succession, but the first two manage to escape just short of the boat - I had been fighting with them for 80 odd metres by that point, so pretty frustrating! We have had one flying fish land on the boat, and one that stuck Paul in the back on a night watch (not sure if I have already told you that). Its amazing how far they go out of the water, and how fast. Occasionally you get a flurry of activity when there are literally hundreds of them skipping over the surface.

Temperatures have gone up a notch in the last couple of days. Its continually no less than 25*C in the saloon, even at night. During the day yesterday we were up at 32*C. Right now, at 08.36 it is 28.6*C outside. While that all sounds very nice, it does have its draw backs - there is limited water with which to shower, and no escape from the heat, even just for a few minutes. I have had quite a few sleepless nights as a consequence.

I had a real giggle yesterday, when over lunch we were talking about our arrival and cooling dips in the Caribbean sea. Jeremy's admission, given the mid Atlantic surroundings, that he 'hates salt water' set me off.

Breakfast is about to be served - its a meat eating day so sausages, bacon and eggs! The vegetables on board have already eaten their muesli.

Hope everyone is well and you have remembered to open the first day on the advent calendar!

Lots of love