July 15th 1330 GMT

44 39N 020 20W

After motoring all night, the wind filled in from the ENE at 0600 this morning and we’ve been sailing on a close reach with all sail set at around 5 knots in 9 knots of wind. The sea is flat and grey as is the sky. Over night fog patches drifted in and out causing eerie shadows all around. Shortly after dawn we had dolphins dancing around the bow and later 2 whales spouted just out to starboard. No sign of the sun except a brief glimpse yesterday when we managed a pretty good noon sight. Just before lunch we topped up the diesel with 86 litres from the cans on deck and worked out that in 60 hours of motoring so far we have  used 1.4 litres per hour – frugality works it seems. We have 631 nm to go to Kinsale in S Ireland where we can call in to refuel if necessary. Morale on board is good – mostly due to Fi’s catering. All well on board.