Bernie’s Blog - Day 11 – Thursday 4^th August 2011

Leg Five: Azores to Dartmouth

Decision made. We are on our way direct to Dartmouth, which is currently 195 miles to the northeast of us, and we should arrive in the dark on Saturday morning. Exact time of arrival will be passed by mobile phone during Friday.

We are now over the continental shelf and about 123 miles to the southwest of the Lizard so it will be Darrell who wins the sweepstake, he having chosen the latest of all our estimates - 0300 on Friday 5^th.

After a dull, drizzly day yesterday when no one felt much like eating, Darrell came up with the superb morale boosting idea of a Fray Bentos supper – the Susan Ayu emergency ration as well as an ‘end of journey’ meal. So it was Steak and Ale pie with tinned Jersey Royal Potatoes and peas. The Jersey Royals have been with us since departure in 2009 so have completed the circuit of the Atlantic and have given good service at last. We have one tin remaining and we will use that with an ‘all day breakfast’ before arrival.

Ships and fishing boats are becoming more frequent and we are brushing up on our Rule of the Road and Collision Avoidance. Provided we maintain the current good weather and good visibility we should have no problems seeing and being seen. We have noted Isaiah Ch 56 vs 10.

This lunch time we are promised the Royal Navy (and Bernie’s signature dish) of Hammy, Cheesey, Eggy Topside; and this evening we are promised Christine’s homemade pizza.

As I write we are again surrounded by dolphins who are weaving and diving around the yacht. They do appear to be playing with us. Always a wonderful sight. A great welcome to home waters.