39:11.1N 32:35.2W

Richard here, writing what may be my last Neroli blog entry...

Winds continue variable and very light, and we’ve been motoring – with periods of sailing – since last night. But our immediate destination is now the island of Flores, the most western of the islands. This diversion is designed to enable me to make flight connections that had been given up as lost, and thereby – if many complex stages of the new plan fall into place – get home in time to attend my son Nick’s High School graduation on Tuesday.

The plan is to be in Flores very early Sunday morning, somehow find a customs and immigration official to clear us, and get me to the airstrip in time for an inter-island flight to Ponta Delgada where I can connect to Lisbon later in the day. If all goes well I’ll then be able to get to Seattle by Monday night.

I have an enormous amount to thank Charlie for, and this is just another example of his care, thoughtfulness, ingenuity and generosity. Sailing the Atlantic is a major and complex undertaking, and it's been an incredible privilege to be part of this, and a joy to experience it all.

Charlie has worked harder than any of us and led us superbly, with humour, clarity, absolute consistency and (where needed) forcefulness. I can’t imagine the job being done better or in a way that could make the trip any more memorable or enjoyable. Paddy has been a delightful shipmate, ready to assist or guide, good-humoured (even when the consistent target of weak jokes in the blog) and a fascinating teacher about many things and especially astronomy. And Allan has been another great asset to the team, a source of broad and deep nautical experience, wisdom, and skill; always upbeat, and ever-ready to lend a hand, offer guidance, or take on a needed task.

The loss of two dear friends during the voyage added a sad and reflective dimension to much of the trip, but where better to think in an uninterrupted and calm way about them, and to recall their lives and our wonderful times together?

So now I’m signing off from the blog, and handing over to Paddy.

Many thanks for reading, and I hope you’ll continue to follow the Adventures of Neroli. And a final special thanks to Lesley, Gaelen and Nick, who have encouraged, supported and helped me every step of the way, and who I simply can’t wait to see again on Monday evening ...