Marina Rubicon, Lanzarote. We have had a busy and productive few days and finally we think we are on top of our major issues. We went to Fuertaventura yesterday for lunch and tested the systems and all seems well: so much so that we are leaving for Barbados on Saturday via Tenerife to pick up Steve, our fourth crew member.

We anticipate being at sea for between 24 and 26 days which should see us ashore for Christmas lunch on the 25th December. Now that the decision has been made, there seems to be a step-change in our approach to the final preparations but we will all be sorry to say goodbye to ‘One Bar’ in the marina, as they have looked after us very well!

Ian has had to visit the dentist this morning and has to have two fillings. He has had one already and the other will be done tomorrow which is a good thing.