Noon position 26 43N, 19 35W, day’s run 144, DTG 2444. The last twenty four hours have seen use using the engine and a combination of sails to try to deal with the light airs. For most of the afternoon, we had the cruising chute and mizzen up as well as an experimental mizzen staysail which is an old cruising chute from one of my previous boats. We are satisfied enough with it to carry on tweaking it to see what it can contribute to our speed.

We are settling in well to the watch routine although there is an underlying feeling of frustration when we don’t seem to be making good progress, but the aim at the moment is to get to 25N, 25W, where the tradewinds should be well established.

Last night Ian made a very good curry for us and the water maker is working, which is good news, but we suspect we still have problems with the way it is plumbed into the boat’s system.

It will soon be time for supper at eight at the next change of watch, after which its bed for two of us until 2 am.