08:35 Monday 6^th January 2020, 24:30.561N 17:53.860W

Viridian departed from Las Palmas in Gran Canaria at 12:48 on Saturday 4^th Jan and again later at 14:08 after returning for some forgotten vital equipment.

Crew on board:  Greg & Jan Paine, Richard Kern, Kevin Armstrong and Paul Haresign.

We met a few ships through the 1^st night leaving Las Palmas with a few conversations with very helpful watch officers of tankers and cargo vessels who gladly altered course to save us from gybing to avoid them.  Having “right of way” as a sailing vessel is no consolation when the big ships are closing in fast.  

It was a rolly night with the occasional big roll which was enough to show that plastic clips securing the lee cloth on the top bunk are not a suitable replacement for line.

Paul discovered this when he landed with a crunch uttering some strange new nautical terms.

We have quickly settled into a watch routine with the four guys on watch 2 hours on 6 hours off from 6 pm to 6 am and 3 hours on 9 hours off from 6 am to 6pm.  So plenty of off-watch time for sleeping/reading relaxing/fishing.

Richard is getting used to wearing tea and coffee instead of drinking it.  Jan is working wonders in the galley despite the conditions.

Cinema club started after supper last night, Hot Fuzz, mixed reviews.

All happy on board, making 8 knots towards Cape Verde under full genoa and poled-out staysail.  Waiting for the butter to melt before turning towards Grenada.