Patience position 14:38 north 056:06 West  @2140UTC

Well dear reader we continue to roll along with 20 to 30 kts of wind behind so it is fast and the large swell make it interesting causing much debate about sail plan etc.

Our skipper made a schoolboy error leaving the forward hatch open during the night and we took a green one and his bedding is now a little damp. As those who sail will know there is nothing worse  than getting a green one over the foredeck with the wind up the chuff and the hatch open.

 

We heard some radio traffic between two yachts nearby but not within our visual contact. One a Swan 57 has broken her spinnaker pole. We have a spare! We are not going to rendez vous mid ocean but our on board yacht broker has already opened negotiations for a possible sale in St Lucia as the Swan is staying on to cruise. The speculation has started on the distribution of the cash. The pole in question was a spare from Deckadent hence owned by Charlie @43 3/4 Mike @43 3/4 and Buster @12 1/2, but unknown to Charlie and Buster, Mike had already instructed Bob to try and sell it in Jersey and Bob is claiming a brokerage fee. Then Mike is claiming monies for storage of said pole but it was Charlie’s idea to bring it on the trip hence enabling the possibility of a sale. Talks are scheduled to go on through the night  under the guidance of the on board arbitrator Alasdair. There is of course the outside possibility the pole may be the wrong length though.

 

Having been on starboard gybe for 3 days we have just gone over to port for the night with 283 miles to run. Hopefully our sleigh ride at a steady 8 plus knots will continue our downhill ride to Christmas.

 

A demain