26:32.9N 61:45.3W

Sailing north with a “slutter” rig (genoa and staysail: hybrid of cutter and sloop) in 20 to 25 knots of wind that arrived at midnight – exactly as and when Herb Hilgenberg had forecast. We managed a day’s run (noon to noon) of 115 nautical miles: still short of what we’d like to be covering but it certainly beats being becalmed.  And not bad considering we really didn’t get going properly until the wind freshened.

This afternoon we were again able to establish contact with Herb. With Allan working the SSB, he gave us a very encouraging forecast and useful advice. We can expect a wind shift early on Friday that should enable us to start heading east.

After eight days of working our way upwind (much like living in a washing machine) we’re tremendously looking forward to some sailing off the wind a bit or even downwind. Of course, we’ll soon start complaining about the rolling.

Last night, as we awaited the promised wind, we judged the Haiku contest sponsored by Richard. Remarkably, every crew member emerged on top in one of the four categories. Paddy, for example, walked away as winner of the Green Haiku contest, delighting the judges with his splendid second line “biodegradable wake”. Publication of the winning enries will be delayed pending completion of ongoing polishing (and resolution of judging appeals).