43:34.5N 22:21.0W

Day’s run – 148 miles

Yesterday evening was boisterous as the low pressure passed to the north of us, with 25 knots of wind and some large seas, but Neroli was as comfortable in it as ever. During the night it all settled down and we had drizzle and light winds for a while, but today we are back to wonderful sailing again - bright sunshine, and a broad reach under full sail. The forecast looks good with the wind continuing on the beam.

We have reached a point where we can turn more to the east and head directly to the Western Approaches. Our route should take us onto the continental shelf at a place where the drop in depth from 4500 metres to just 100 metres is relatively gradual compared to some parts of the Bay of Biscay, and, we are hoping,  the sea more gentle.

Wiz has been trying to emulate Richard’s position as chef. The first evening he produced a wonderful dish - “Mediterranean lamb with pasta quills” which we all enjoyed, but he was later given a yellow card when it was discovered to have been cooked by his wife Tash and smuggled aboard hidden deep-frozen amongst his oilskins. However, today’s lunch – avocado with salmon mayonnaise, humus, salad and cold ham, was cooked under the watchful eye of the referee, and clearly Wiz can cook every bit as well as Tash.

The cockpit is remarkably dry and snug in all weathers, but just occasionally a wave will slap into the side and send a bucketful into the cockpit. This morning Charlie was at the wheel and managed to catch the biggest wave of the whole trip without his oilskins on.

Allan is still studying the noble art of astro-navigation, and has now progressed to doing the calculations on his lap, rather than needing the whole table top.