Midnight Day 1 - 35:46.58N 6:01.94W 

The first day was short as we left rather late to catch the tide or what ever little tide there was. We followed our course well clear of the shipping separation zone and then we crossed into Moroccan waters and onto our heading for the island.

It was all very exiting because we were pumped for our shake down run for the next 6 days to see how the boat would handle and more importantly how we would cope on our own.

Special Comments by Fiona:  We sailed out of the Bay of Gibraltar on a fine and sunny afternoon.  We were both happy and excited to be on the water again bound for our longest leg so far, to Lanzarote.  My excitement soon grew to intense apprehension and worry as we’d passed through the Straits and the sun started to set.  All of a sudden I felt major fear of the reality of what we were about to embark on.  Not to mention that I’d forgotten that I hate night sailing!  I hate it mainly due to the fact, well, you can’t see for one and I hate not knowing what marine life is out there.  At least during the day you can see Dolphins or whales (not that we’ve yet to see one).  I know the marine creatures are a beautiful thing but they scare me senseless at night.   Ben reassured me as best he could.  My nerves soon settled as darkness was upon us and I’d found my sea legs again.  Our first night was quite enjoyable, just the right amount of wind and the moon lit up the ocean.  I even relaxed and layed back in the cockpit taking in all the stars on my first watch for the evening.